Thank you, Madam Chair. This document is of importance to me because it contains a lot of information that we have been waiting for, and it specifically deals with identifying some of the areas that will impact the west. For example, we have been diligently waiting here in Yellowknife on the number of positions that could potentially be impacted when Nunavut is created. I want to make reference to the figure in this document that states that the possibility is there for 289 positions to be affected. Naturally, there will be a question and follow-up questions with that, such as when will these positions be located in Nunavut? Again the document identifies that, in all likelihood, these positions will not all be eliminated from the western government by April 1, 1999. It will likely take a longer period of time. It will likely extend into the year 2000. When we speak of 289 positions, it does not mean that by April 1, 1999 all of these positions will have been eliminated from Yellowknife. It will take a longer period of time. In addition, what is also of importance to Yellowknife, specifically again, is that the contracting of services can be provided to Nunavut. Naturally again, from the Yellowknife perspective, that is very important to us because it allows us to retain a certain number of positions for some time and to provide those services until Nunavut wishes to take those over if Nunavut wishes to contract those services from this particular government. Naturally, I am very interested in ensuring that transpires.
The other question related to that then is one of office spaces which were impacted because of the need to reorganize, and again, we have an impact upon our community and that being with the business sector and office space. The document addresses that particular problem as well and that, to me, is again very helpful. What is necessary now is for us to allay some concerns and additional concern with the 289 positions, and that is, the staff themselves have been very uneasy as to the numbers but also what positions will be affected. That will be a need to be addressed and I hope that we can address that over the next short while so that individuals in those positions have some idea of whether they will be affected by the creation of Nunavut. With respect to the contracting of services, I do wish to point out that it has been made abundantly clear to me that some decision needs to be made imminently, preferably this fall, on whether this government will be entertained as to providing the contract services for Nunavut. The reason for that is, as my impression, that Yellowknife and the headquarter's staff are losing key people. In order for us to be able to provide that service, if Nunavut wishes that it be provided, we have to ensure that there are adequate numbers of people and qualified people to fulfil those positions and that the office space, et cetera. is taken care of along with the resources. The other item others have spoken on it and that is of concern is the transition cost. I am also of the feeling that we need to get a commitment on that and the Minister of Finance has addressed that in his replies. I just want to express my concern in that area, as well, that it could potentially impact upon us if a commitment from the federal government is delayed by a long period of time because we are, in essence, using some funds from this territorial government and will continue to do so unless we are reimbursed. That could impact upon us for the next, by the looks of it, what is it, fourteen, fifteen months of continued operation together. It is a concern. I want to also make reference to the fact that Yellowknife will be the centre for some training. That is now in progress. We have some people here in the Legislative Assembly today, and we welcome that. It is a good contribution to our community and I think that the public in Yellowknife does need to know that Yellowknife and the headquarters here is being fully utilized to provide some training, and our community is the beneficiary of that at the moment. So those are my comments, Madam Chair. Thank you.