Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Minister responsible for Nunavut Transition Planning, I am pleased to update the Assembly on key issues concerning the creation of Nunavut.

Last week, Minister Todd tabled the transition action plan. This plan provides a detailed review of transition issues and costs. This document will serve many purposes, and it is important, I believe, that we all share the same understanding of what this document is intended to provide:

- advice to all the parties and in particular, the Interim Commissioner, on what needs to be done in this transition period;

- for the Western Territory it provides a basis for planning; and

- for the federal government it is a comprehensive costing that identifies gaps in the transition funding necessary for implementation.

The Report on Transition to a New Western Territory, tabled by Minister Dent yesterday, supplements the transition action plan and will provide a starting point for the establishment of a strong and viable Western Territory.

In addition to the intensive communication effort we have put forward to date on the action plan, I plan to attend the upcoming NTI Annual General Meeting in Igloolik to discuss the transition plan and to emphasize the importance of working together toward our common goal.

Mr. Speaker, in the critically short time that we have, I urge all parties to conclude financing discussions on transition costs, with an appropriate agreement, as soon as possible. We need the security of knowing that appropriate funding is in place so that we can focus on the immense task at hand, that the current standard of programs and services are in place on April 1, 1999.

Although we are partners in this process, the Interim Commissioner is clearly in the spotlight. Mr. Anawak has the responsibility of creating a functional Nunavut government by April 1, 1999. As we have stated on many occasions, Mr. Speaker, this government will continue to support and provide assistance to the Interim Commissioner wherever required.

The Interim Commissioner will be using the decentralized model, set out in Footprints 2, to establish the Nunavut government. This includes planning for the establishment of headquarters functions in several communities and the repositioning of regional services to many other communities throughout Nunavut. The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes the challenges facing the Interim Commissioner to implement the decentralized model before April 1, 1999, because it is largely dependent on the construction of the necessary offices and houses for Nunavut government staff and federal funding.

As I, and many of my colleagues, have stated on several occasions, the Government of the Northwest Territories strongly supports the decentralized model. We have also said that there are some efficiency issues that will need to be considered by the Nunavut government.

The office of the Interim Commissioner will also need to work with the Government of the Northwest Territories to ensure that Government Northwest Territories employees, occupying positions in Nunavut, will be transferred to the Nunavut government with the existing terms and conditions of their employment intact. For new headquarters positions in Nunavut, it is our view that priority must be given to Government of the Northwest Territories headquarters employees wishing to relocate to Nunavut, subject to meeting the objectives of Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.

The creation of a justice system for Nunavut is also an issue of critical importance. When we talk about a justice system for Nunavut, we are speaking of many different parts of an integrated system. There are the nuts and bolts of the structure. These include a Department of Justice that can provide legal advice to the government of Nunavut and draft new laws. It also includes a court system that will continue to provide essential services - judges, crown prosecutors and attorneys, justices of the peace, court workers and legal aid, to name a few. There are also the court registries and the registries where you can file corporate and land title documents.

It is of paramount importance that the Nunavut government have the capacity to continue these services on April 1, 1999.

Some of these functions will need to be up and running in Nunavut. Others may continue to be provided during a transition period through intergovernmental agreements with the Western Territory or other jurisdictions.

Of course, having the basic structure in place by April 1, 1999, so that necessary programs and services are provided, does not prevent the Nunavut government from changing the system to bring it closer to the people and better reflect cultural values. I am encouraged when I hear that the Interim Commissioner wishes to consult with the people of Nunavut on the kinds of changes that could be made.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the privilege of participating at the signing of the Nunavut Municipal Incremental Infrastructure Program in Iqaluit on September 19th. The agreement signed by Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister, Jane Stewart, and Manitok Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs; provides $8.22 million to the territorial government to meet projected infrastructure needs in 11 Nunavut municipalities this year. This is a three year infrastructure program worth an estimated $32 million.

The Nunavut government will need almost 700 new public service jobs. As a result of decentralization there will be a significant increase in the Baffin, Keewatin and Kitikmeot regions' population. With the expected population growth, communities must be prepared to meet the new demands for municipal services: more site development for housing and offices, classroom space, infrastructure and municipal services will be needed.

The $32 million in capital projects will upgrade and expand services such as water and sewage, fire fighting, schools and the site development for housing and office space. I am pleased to inform Members that all of the projects being managed by the Government of the Northwest Territories are proceeding on schedule.

Mr. Speaker, all Nunavut communities will benefit from the increased training and employment opportunities under the Municipal Infrastructure Program. Also, considerable effort has gone into providing appropriate training opportunities to prepare Inuit for the new positions in the government of Nunavut. Incremental resources provided by the Government of Canada supplements the $100 million the Government of the Northwest Territories is already investing in education and training in the Nunavut region this year.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is an active partner in the Working Group on Human Resources and Training. In September of this year, while in Iqaluit, Minister Dent, on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, signed a Contribution Agreement with Minister Stewart to cover this year's funding requirement for the training programs under the Human Resources Strategy. We are now in the second year of the four year intensive training program, and this is perhaps the year in which most of the training will take place. In 1996-97 the strategy provided training for 232 Inuit, and it is anticipated that up to 400 students will enrol in 1997-98.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is also involved in delivering some of the training directly, in order to help prepare Inuit for jobs in the new government. For example:

- 21 people are training as middle managers in the Government of the Northwest Territories regional offices; and

- a program is in place to prepare Inuit for senior management positions, right now 13 people are in the program, and six more will soon be hired.

Preparation for Nunavut also requires changes to legislation. Until April 1, 1999, Nunavut and the Western Territory will be governed by the same laws. This legislative base will be inherited by each territory on April 1, 1999 and each territory will then be free to shape its laws according to its needs and wishes.

To assist this process a Statute Revision Commissioner has been appointed to prepare separate consolidations of the laws of the Northwest Territories as they will apply in Nunavut and in the Western Territory in 1999. This process has begun and will be completed 1999.

Our Assembly will be called upon to enact a number of measures to assist in the establishment of two territories. An important example is statutory measures to provide for a single Power Corporation and Workers' Compensation Board. It is critical that agreement be reached on these issues so that legislation can be introduced and enacted in the near future to establish a stable planning environment.

Federal legislative action will also be required. We are closely monitoring the progress of the Nunavut Act Amendments, which will also include an important amendment to the Northwest Territories Act.

Changes to the Nunavut Act are needed in order to allow for the election of a Nunavut Legislative Assembly that can take office on April 1, 1999. This change must be enacted early in the new year, in order to prepare for the Nunavut election. Other changes to the Nunavut Act are required to clarify certain sections so that we all know the legal regime in Nunavut on April 1, 1999.

In addition, federal legislative action will be needed to:

- provide for representation for Nunavut and the Western Territory in the Senate and House of Commons; and

- reduce the minimum size of this Assembly to 14 Members, pending the development of a new Constitution for the Western Territory.

It is critical for the Nunavut government and for this Assembly that these amendments get made as soon as possible and I will keep the Members posted on any progress.

The areas that I have outlined today are what I believe to be the immediate and priority issues for all partners in this process. April 1, 1999 is the first day of the new Nunavut government. There will be many issues that evolve and changes to take place, especially in the first few years. Many of these issues are for the elected Members of the new Nunavut Government to decide. For now, it is important that we keep our focus on the immediate and priority issues to ensure that the current standard of programs and services continue to be provided on April 1, 1999.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the challenges that are ahead will require an extraordinary effort on the part of many, and the cooperation of all of the partners in this process. I will be working hard, with this Assembly and my Cabinet colleagues, in particular Mr. Dent and Mr. Todd, to ensure:

- the continued cooperation of all; and

- the successful completion of these tasks, tasks which will ensure the creation of two new territories.

Most of all, we can not lose sight of the fact that, despite the complexity of this process, this is about: the realization of the long held aspirations of the people of Nunavut to have their own government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The purpose of this statement is to set out the government's plan for dealing with pay equity during the 1997-98 collective bargaining. The concept of pay equity, Mr. Speaker, is one that I fully endorse and support. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, how can one argue against the principle of paying employees equally for doing similar or substantially similar work as set out under the Northwest Territories legislation or doing work of equal value as provided for under federal legislation? The issue before us is not with the principle of pay equity. The issue before us today is one of uncertainty. How do we achieve pay equity? What will it cost? Who are the winners and who are the losers?

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, there is an outstanding pay equity complaint. That complaint has been referred to a Tribunal pursuant to the Canadian Human Rights Act. Mr. Speaker, addressing a pay equity complaint is an extremely complex process. It involves the comparisons of actual evaluations of positions with evaluations against a gender neutral job evaluation system. It involves statistical models for identifying and comparing female and male jobs to determine if there are any wage gaps. It involves the examination of reasonable factors that may justify differences in male and female wages.

Mr. Speaker, the UNW and the government have commenced a mediation process for examining these complex issues. The objectives of a mediation process are to facilitate a negotiated settlement of the pay equity complaint and to expedite the Tribunal hearing process in the event that negotiations are unsuccessful. We are hopeful, however, that the Tribunal process will be unnecessary as our objective for the mediation process is to structure a settlement proposal that we can table with the UNW at collective bargaining and place before the Tribunal.

Mr. Speaker, this brings me to the two other areas of uncertainty about pay equity that I mentioned. What is the cost? Who are the winners? Who are the losers? Mr. Speaker, there has been much speculation over the years about what it would cost to resolve the pay equity complaint. I will not add today to that speculation. In the mediation process the parties examine job evaluation data, statistical methodologies and reasonable factors to determine any gender wage gaps that may exist. The parties must negotiate a responsible and fair settlement that is acceptable to the government, the UNW and the employees it represents.

I realize, Mr. Speaker, that implementing a new job evaluation system and resolving the pay equity complaint will result in an overall increase in the cost of the public service. I am hopeful, Mr. Speaker, that we can absorb this increased cost through initiatives already taken to balance the books. It is important, however, that the issue be resolved with a negotiated agreement that is financially responsible. The challenge before us is to find a solution that makes everyone a winner. A settlement that we cannot afford would require further large scale program reductions. Mr. Speaker, the losers from large scale program reductions would be the population of the north who rely on government programs and services and employees who would lose their jobs as a necessary consequence of such large cuts. Yes, Mr. Speaker, employees.

Mr. Speaker, as the elected representatives of the people of the Northwest Territories, we must put our support making pay equity in the Northwest Territories a winning proposition for everyone. To do this, we must begin to bargain in good faith and show willingness to compromise in a way that is in the best interest of the population of the North.

Mr. Speaker, today, I have served formal notice to the UNW pursuant to the Public Service Act to commence collective bargaining for the renewal and revision of the Collective Agreement that expires on March 31, 1998. My staff have been instructed to meet with the UNW and work out a schedule that will see this matter settled before March 31, 1998.

--Hear! Hear!

Mr. Speaker, let us put an end to uncertainty. Let us turn the situation around and make everyone a winner. Let us advance the rights of women in the Northwest Territories by finding a pay equity solution that is financially responsible and fair. Let us lend our support to the government and the union negotiators in finding an early settlement, one that can be recommended to this government and union membership for ratification. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to make a statement as Minister responsible for the Status of Women. I am disturbed about an article found in the October 3rd edition of the Nunatsiaq News. The article reports on a church minister who resides in Kuujjuak, Northern Quebec and was charged and pleaded guilty to four sex charges involving young girls. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply angered and concerned with statements that were made during the course of this trial. A long time friend of the accused, who is also a clergyman, gave evidence at the hearing that crimes committed by the accused were not actually crimes at all in the Inuit culture.

--Shame! Shame!

In fact, he further claimed that the actions of the accused were acceptable in the old Inuit traditional ways of treating young women so that they may feel proud of their womanhood.

Mr. Speaker, crimes against women and children, particularly if they are of a violent and sexual nature are absolutely not acceptable in any culture. Crimes against women have never been acceptable in the Inuit culture. They are not acceptable now and were not acceptable then. Mr. Speaker, we cannot and should not accept the excuse that this type of behaviour is part of the old Inuit culture. I hear too many of these excuses used by both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people. I believe these excuses about what is acceptable in the Inuit culture, and in general in the aboriginal community, is exactly that an excuse. Hopefully, the justice system will continue to see this for what it is, a weak and poor excuse, and will continue to punish the guilty with appropriate sentences.

Although this incident occurred in another jurisdiction, I believe that it reflects on women and the Inuit culture as a whole. Let me assure you, Mr. Speaker and Members of this House, that activities of this nature have never been and should never be considered part of the Inuit culture. Actions of this nature against women and children must never be considered acceptable. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Ms. Thompson. Just to remind the Minister that with regard to the statement, it is a sensitive statement, but also you added a bit more that deviated from your main statement which was not recorded and filed with the Clerk. Thank you. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

The Member for Hay River is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays, Mrs. Groenewegen, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to bring forward a concern that has had an impact on my home community of Rae-Edzo for a number of years. I realize that this government and previous governments have tried to make the Municipal Funding Formula as equitable as possible. However, due to the unique situation in Rae-Edzo being one of the largest non-tax-based communities and the fact that over the years Rae-Edzo has concentrated on developing a private economic base instead of relying on this government to provide capital infrastructure, we have been short changed when dealing with the current formula. This formula deals with how much funding each non-tax based community receives to perform their day-to-day operations. However, when the officials try to use this to determine the funding of Rae-Edzo, it falls short due to the size of the community in the lack of public infrastructure. One of many areas that this formula does not address is the issue of protective services. There is not enough dollars to provide for by-law enforcement. I believe this is not just an issue from Rae-Edzo, but territorial wide one.

There are many concerns that I know the honourable Minister of MACA is addressing through the municipal funding review that is currently taking place. I hope this review will show that there are still inadequacies which have become apparent over the past number of years since the last change in the funding formula and will also come up with the equitable solutions for all communities across this vast land. I would also like to inform the Minister that later today I will be asking her some questions regarding this important issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

The Member for Yellowknife Centre is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ootes, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the transition action plan as released by Mr. Todd poses many questions, but also gives some direction and addresses the magnitude of the decisions and work that has to be done before April 1, 1999. It is not a perfect document, but it is a starting point that will be discussed and evaluated by the effected parties.

The issue of funding. A funding shortfall as presented by the federal government is outside the scope of the monetary ability of this government. On April 1, 1999, when Nunavut begins, we want it to be successful and properly financed. Over the next several months, the continuing negotiations and the gross expenditure base for Nunavut and the new Western Territory will be decided, but this does not impede this government or the federal government to help facilitate a smooth transition so that on April 2, 1999, Nunavut residents will still be able to access programs and services, receive their pay cheques, attend school, et cetera. This is what the transition action plan outlines. Nothing less, nothing more. Mr. Speaker, this government has reiterated its commitment to decentralization, and now it is up to the federal government to help pay the cost of the recommendations made in Footprints 2. The document is advice to all parties and to the Interim Commissioner. The gaps in the funding to date have been identified and the time line is getting shorter to division. Mr. Speaker, it is time for the Nunavut Caucus to call another Nunavut leaders' meeting to address the transition action plan, and the work that has been done and has to be done by April 1, 1999. Later today, I will be asking the Minister for Division questions on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Picco. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

I rise today to acknowledge a group of individuals in my community who are deserving of our recognition. Mr. Speaker, this group calls themselves YACCS or better known as Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors. This group of individuals have played an significant roll within our community on behalf of our seniors. They are instrumental in fund-raising for the construction of the Baker Community Centre, a facility specifically for seniors. It was not an easy task, Mr. Speaker, especially in light of the financial restraint our community and residents have been under in the past few years, but they did it!

Mr. Speaker, they did not want to stop there. They had accomplished their goal. The Baker Community Centre was built. Over the summer this association, YACCS, updated their mission statement, developed a vision statement and looked at the issues facing seniors, not only those in Yellowknife but in other Northwest Territories communities. They have determined their goals and strategies to follow for the next two years.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share some of their future strategies with my fellow Members while keeping in mind, this community-based group of individuals may one day be representing you and I when we are seniors:

-they are pursuing accredited status for Aven Manor through the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation,

-negotiate a new collective agreement with the Union of Northern Workers for centre staff,

-explore the feasibility of building a nursing home for the cognitively impaired seniors in the Western Northwest Territories and improve the current facilities and

-develop policies for the Board to ensure the community composition is reflected.

Mr. Speaker, we are very lucky to have such a committed group of individuals at work within our community. I ask that my fellow Members join me in recognizing the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors and wish them our very best in realizing their goals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good afternoon. Within my riding I have a community that is very frustrated with government. Clyde River does not have a large population, around 750 people. When it comes to capital spending they feel they are often told they will have to wait. It seems that other communities do not have the same difficulty getting money for their capital projects. It also seems that other communities do not have to wait as long.

In the 1998-99 year, a number of projects are proposed to be done in Clyde River. The community hopes that the projects will be done. All of the projects have been waited for. What the community wonders about is why it takes so long. Clyde River hopes that other small communities are not having the same problems when it comes to capital spending. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker I would like to recognize, first of all, three former constituents of Cambridge Bay, Helen Blewett, Chad Blewett and Tyler Blewett, who as of this week became residents of Yellowknife South. Other constituents who happen to be in town, Millie Angulalik, my mother-in-law; Margaret Kablook Nakashook and my sister-in-law, Betty Nakashook, and of course accompanying them is my wife, Susie and our son, Trenton. Thank you.

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Roland.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know my honourable colleague, as well as a number of others, have

expressed some concern with respect to comments that may have been made by a federal employee who is in the Nunavut secretariat. With respect to the fact, she is employed and there is no new funding and that it was the creation of one territory. I want to assure my honourable colleague that I have no reason, no reason whatsoever to doubt that in my discussion with Ms. Stewart, the federal Finance Minister, she is committed to putting a table together to answer the questions that I asked her, as it relates to adequate funding and the creation of two territories. Thank you.

Oral Questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement was on the Nunavut transition planning. My question is for the Minister responsible for Nunavut transition planning, Mr. Arlooktoo. Could the Minister update this House, if the government has received an official response from our partners, NTI and the federal government of the transition document? Thank you.

The Deputy Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The answer is no. We have not received the official responses to the documents. We are however, in daily communication with members of the NTI executive and the federal government. Thank you.

Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, does the Minister anticipate that we will having a Nunavut caucus meeting to discuss the transition document and other issues surrounding the creation of Nunavut over the next few weeks? Would he be contacting the parties? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the Member was asking about a Nunavut leaders' meeting rather than a Nunavut caucus meeting. I understand the government has received a request from the president of Nunavut Tunngaviik Incorporated, asking for such a meeting to be held. I am planning to meet with Mr. Kusugak on the 27th of this month to discuss such a possibility for a meeting.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the transitional document has now been made public. Will the Minister or any of his staff, be going to some of these centralized communities or other communities in Nunavut to explain the document and to present it in the light it has been presented in this House. Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is important for us to wait for the response from the federal government, from the NTI and from the Interim Commissioner on our transition action plan. It is also important for MLAs to be communicating with their constituencies, especially the communities that are affected by the decentralized model. I did mention earlier today that I am planning to present a briefing to the annual general meeting of NTI on the 27th, in Igloolik and in the process on the way to that meeting, I will be meeting with some other officials in Iqaluit.

Thank you. Oral Questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The territorial government was approached by Public Works and Services Canada earlier in the year to see if we were interested in taking over the maintenance and administration of some 600 or so residential units and several other facilities that are owned by the Government of Canada. This is part of the nation wide program that the Public Works and Services Canada is into, which is the privatization of these services. In receiving the request from Public Works and Services Canada, I approached our own Cabinet and received permission to enter into negotiations that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation could take over the maintenance and administration function.

Thank you. Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the conditions that our own Cabinet implied in giving their permission for negotiations is that there be no reduction in services of the LHOs because of this contract. In fact, it was necessary as a result of taking over this contract, there would be additional resources through fees et cetera, and that is our starting position. That is how we intend to negotiate and conclude the arrangement.

Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have the latest information on the consultation with the communities or the staff. I understand it certainly is our intention to include them as much as possible in the process and to ensure the present Public Works and Services Canada staff that may be involved in these functions are offered the current employment that they have.

Oral questions. Final Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can certainly get the information from our officials on exactly when, but as I recall, the target dates for the conclusion of negotiations is early in November and for the program to commence on April, 1998.

Oral Questions. Mr. Krutko.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been an issue that has warranted some investigation and in particular when developing the new Child and Family Services Act that has already been passed by the Legislature. I can say it is an issue we are cognizant of but at this time, we feel that the bill, the Child and Family Services Act which has been passed, gives ample opportunity for individuals and organizations to become more actively involved in child welfare matters in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, we believe there are avenues in the Child and Family Services Act to allow for greater involvement for individuals or groups advocating on behalf of children. There are also adequate measures in respect to some of the programs and services for counselling and support for children and their families as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot commit to that at this time until obviously, we see how some of the mechanisms within the Child and Family Services Act plays out. If there is a determined ongoing need to look at that type of an initiative, it would be something that we would look at, but that would be a later time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Child and Family Services Act is planned to be enacted sometime early in 1998. I would think that as training and implementation takes place, to get that up and running, it would not be until after the Act was in place and communities, individuals and organizations have had an opportunity to work with the new bill before we will take another look at whether or not other measures are required, Mr. Speaker. I cannot give a definite date on when we would be progressing on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member is correct. The Northwest Territories Medical Association did provide some critical input into the report. By the same token, I think there has been positive input as well from boards that have received it. I have not had an opportunity to, in detail, go over the Medical Association's concerns. I am aware of it. They have suggested a meeting with myself and my officials to enter into some more discussions on this matter. It is a matter of timing to set up that meeting, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly we recognize the importance of their input. It has not been totally disregarded. As I indicated, we do have their response to the strategic plan. I would like to say that the Northwest Territories Medical Association is not the only deliverer of health services in the Northwest Territories. They are an integral part of it, but we have to look at the whole system in itself and that is why we commissioned this broader report to look at the entire Northwest Territories and trying to develop an integrated system. Yes, in as timely a fashion as possible, I will commit to meeting with the Medical Association to go over the details of their response to the draft strategic plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I have indicted in the past, the boards throughout the Northwest Territories have undertaken a major consultative effort with the draft strategic plan. At the same time, the department has provided it to organizations and associations throughout the Northwest Territories, such as the Medical Association, for their input. Our timeframe on receiving of the feedback from those consultations will be obviously later this year. We are into October now, so I will anticipate by late October, middle of November, trying to put together a final strategic plan later this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Ng.

Certainly, Mr. Speaker. Once we receive the feedback. Obviously, we would take into consideration what the stakeholders and what the public have as issues. We would mold that into a final strategic plan that I would anticipate on tabling in this House early in 1998 and provide opportunities for further input and consultations before finalization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I spoke about the problems the Hamlet of Rae-Edzo has regarding the municipal funding formula concerning a review of funding formula. My question for the Minister of MACA, is will the department currently be doing a review of funding formula. What is the timeframe for the completion of this review?

The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first thank the Member from Rae-Edzo for bringing the problem forward to me in regard to the municipal financing formula. These are the types of comments we need for the review. The final recommendations will be reviewed at next year's NWTAM, which is the Association for Municipalities' Annual General Meeting in May of 1998. The recommendations have to be reviewed first, before finalizing this municipal financing review with any of our communities. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance and I see he is not here. I will ask my question to the Minister of Education Culture and Employment. My question is concerning student financial assistance. Mr. Speaker, the Minister has set up a student financial assistance forum that has been touring the territories investigating concerns with student financial assistance. I wonder if the Minister could update this House on the status of that forum? Thank you.

The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Again, I would like to remind the Members, when Members are not in the House, not to mention them by name when they are not here.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when the Minister receives the report would he be tabling that in the House for all Members and the public to have an opportunity to see? Thank you.

Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the ideas behind the committee looking at student financial assistance was because the Minister was looking at introducing some changes. I wonder if the Minister now will be delaying any type of change to student financial assistance until indeed the report is tabled in this House and that the Members of the committees have had a chance to look at that in conjunction with the changes that are being anticipated? Thank you.

Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Would the Premier like to respond to that? Mr. Morin.