Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is based on averages per capita, on the availability of beds in relation to other jurisdictions within the country, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot say definitively for sure, but I can say that we recognize that there is a higher incidence of alcohol and drug abuse in the Northwest Territories. That was also a factor that was taken into consideration, and the overall decision for withdrawing the funds of Delta House, I would like to reiterate that we are not withdrawing the provision of alcohol and drug treatment services to the residents of Inuvik or the residents of the Inuvik region itself. We will continue to maintain and provide residential treatment beds and spaces for those individuals that require that. We will continue to provide alcohol and drug treatment funding at the regional and the local level to assist individuals needing programs and services, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, they would be available in other residential treatment facilities that we finance right now. If I could use, for example, in Yellowknife right here, through Northern Addictions services, or through MSGK, the facility there, on the Hay River Reserve. It will be determined based on the regional referral team, and of course, the client, on where they would want to undertake their treatment when that new process takes place, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Finance. Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of our terms last year, we undertook a two-year process to balance our budget. Most people understand the necessity to do that. Unfortunately, our civil servants have been put under a tremendous strain. Many of them are nervous going to work. They are scared to spend money, because they do not know how long they are going to be in their jobs.

Mr. Speaker, for the most part, our civil servants are hard working and conscientious workers, and they should be commended for doing a good job under difficult conditions. My understanding is, that if we successfully implement this year's proposed budget, we will have balanced the budget.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to know if I can tell my constituents that this is it. Lord knows, Yellowknife has done its part to balance the budget. Mr. Speaker, after this budget is implemented, can people feel safe? Can I tell my constituents that the cuts are finished after this budget is implemented? That the cuts are finished other than for minor adjustments?

The question is hypothetical because it is asking the Minister to make a prediction. It is also asking a question about a proposed budget address. I would like to ask the Member if he can rephrase his question.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the Minister of Finance, once we have completed two-year deficit reduction plan will this, our balancing the budget, can I tell my

constituents who are asking me, that they can feel safe in their job? That our plan has been successfully implemented?

The Minister of Finance. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to be able to answer that question today but I would feel somewhat uncomfortable that it be pre-empting the budget so I am not trying to avoid it but on Monday we will be able to outline to the public at large, those employed, those unemployed the fiscal condition of this government and the plan that we have to reach a balanced budget in 1997. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Todd. David. Thank you. Point of order. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, several times in this House I brought up the fact that I like to ask questions. I have a lot of questions to ask. I keep seeing that my clock is running out here. We are in deliberations so I would ask the Speaker that the clock be stopped to allow for the extra time allotted in your consultations with the Clerk so that I can get my questions and other Members can ask those very important questions that will be (background noise)..

Thank you, Mr. Todd. I see that Mr. Todd has my concurrence.

Thank you, there is no point of order. We are still on oral questions and the oral question is for one hour and the clock runs up to the time that oral questions are concluded. Mr. Erasmus. Supplementary.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I ask the Finance Minister if he has changed his mind or whether he is still committed to a two-year process or whether he is changing it to a longer time period?

Mr. Todd.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. I do recognize the seriousness of the question being asked by my honourable colleague. It certainly was our intention when we started this Assembly 12 months ago to take a two-year approach to balancing the budget. I am committed to that and hopefully on Monday I will be able to reassure everybody that in fact we will accomplish that in 1997. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Finance, also responsible for division, and it also relates to the Minister's meeting with Mr. Martin, the Federal Finance Minister. Mr. Todd has answered part of my question with Mr. Miltenberger's question but I would like some detail and background as to... There are various pots of money that we are looking at or that we are seeking. One is implemental funding. Another is transition cost. The other budget of $150 million that has already been basically allocated. I would like the Minister, if he would, to explain to this House and the general public exactly what these dollars are intended for. We may have a very good idea but there are a lot of people out in the communities that would like some more detail as to exactly where this money will be going. Thank you.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.