Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I met this individual and I felt that he was qualified for the job. He is qualified for the job. He has a lot of experience, and that is what we need. Experience in teaching and leading workshops. He has two Master's degrees, one in planning, one in Applied Behavioural Science, plus a doctorate in Political and Regional Science.

He has over 20 years of management, and planning expertise with municipal, state, and, as I said before, provincial and federal levels, and has extensive experience, as I have also just said, teaching and leading workshops. I felt this individual was qualified to do the job.

Oral question. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Ms Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have staff that are experienced in the field and also have a lot of experience in northern communities. This gentlemen will be working with that staff, and the staff with northern experience will be working him. He has the qualifications to do the job.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Ms. Thompson.

We interviewed northerners, and we followed the policy. This person was qualified for the job, that is why he was hired.

Thank you. Oral questions, Mr. Krutko.

The Minister of Finance. Mr. Todd. Yes, I will refer to the Deputy Premier. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I do not have that information in front of me, so I will take the question as notice.

Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Question period is over. Item 8, written questions. Item 9, returns to written questions. Item 10, replies to opening address. Item 11, replies to the Budget Address. Item 12, petitions. Item 13, reports of standing and special committees.

Item 14, reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 15, tabling of documents. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you. Tabling of documents. Item 16, notices of motion. Item 17, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 18, motions. 8-13(4). Item 19, first reading of bills. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh that Bill 8, Appropriation Act 1997-98, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the motion. Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried. Bill 8 has had first reading. First reading of bills. Item 20, second reading of bills. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Bill 8, Appropriation Act 1997-98, be read for the second time, Mr. Speaker. This bill authorizes the Government of the Northwest Territories to make operation and maintenance expenditures, and capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Your motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried. Accordingly, Bill 8 has had second reading and will stand ordered to committee of the whole. Second reading of bills. Item 21, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters. With Mr. Steen in the chair and consideration of Bill 8.