Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Before proceeding with the orders of the day, I would like to inform the House of the passing yesterday of Mrs. Effie Krutko, nee MacDonald, the mother of Mr. David Krutko, the Member for MacKenzie Delta. Mrs. Krutko passed away yesterday after a very long battle with cancer. I understand that she was able to travel to the Delta earlier this year which allowed her to see family and friends before she was returned to the hospital here in Yellowknife. Our prayers are with David and his family today. Also, deepest sympathy to my constituent Evelyn Krutko for the loss of her mother. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today and formally welcome Members back to the House after the summer recess. I would like to take this opportunity to provide the Members with more details on the fiscal position of the Government of the Northwest Territories and several of the key issues that the Premier addressed in his sessional statement yesterday.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that we are on course to meet or exceed the deficit reduction targets established in our fiscal recovery plan. Last winter, the government anticipated an annual deficit for 1996-97 of $38 million. With our books for last year now closed, we can report that the deficit dropped to $12 million. While this result is subject to final audit, this reduced 1996-97 deficit means our accumulated deficit rose to only $41 million rather than the $65 million we forecast.

Mr. Speaker, in last February's Budget Address, I announced that this government would balance its budget for the first time in four years. Preliminary figures for the year indicate that we are on course to meet our target with a small surplus of $9 million. This small surplus will be applied against our accumulated deficit.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that our fiscal recovery would not have been reached without the co-operation and commitment of all Members of this House. I want to thank them for that. However, I also want to stress that while these forecasts are indeed encouraging, it is important that we all recognize the need to remain vigilant and stay the course with our fiscal recovery plan to ensure that we leave the emerging new governments of Nunavut and the Western Territory and future generations with the fiscal stability that results from a balanced budget.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to state that this Government is fully committed to the principle of pay equity, and is determined to negotiate a resolution to the issue. We are currently meeting with the Union of Northern Workers to identify issues that can be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, we are in the process of implementing a new gender-neutral job evaluation system and I am confident with the support of the UNW that we will finalize the implementation of this system.

Mr. Speaker, as I have stated many times in this House, it is the preference of the Government of the Northwest Territories to find a negotiated resolution to this matter with the Union of Northern Workers. However, it would be remiss of me if I did not stress that it is incumbent on this government to ensure the settlement we make is affordable and does not result in further large-scale program or position reductions; clearly that is not our desire.

Mr. Speaker, while it is important that we remain vigilant in our efforts on the debt reduction side, it is important that we balance this with investments in key program areas in the social and economic development envelopes. Mr. Speaker, Members of this House have noted on many occasions the importance of ensuring that we continue to deliver essential program such as health and social services to our residents. It was for this reason that funding for the social envelope was maintained and, in fact, increased while all other program areas underwent significant budget reductions over the past two years.

As a further step, Mr. Speaker, we have recently identified $4 million to reinvest into our health care system to target strategic reinvestments towards long term health care of our residents. My colleague, the Honourable Kelvin Ng, will be providing more details on this funding later during the session.

Mr. Speaker, during the last session, Members will recall that I announced a reinvestment of $16 million in a Northern Employment Strategy designed to stimulate economic development and job creation in our northern communities. Mr. Speaker, while this strategy was only launched several months ago and departments are still at the implementation stage for a number of the programs, I am pleased to provide this House with a progress report on the results of the strategy to date.

- A total of 46,000 work weeks of employment have been stimulated, this is the equivalent of 1,150 full time jobs;

- Over $9 million has been invested through equity and partnership contributions towards projects;

- Over $6 million in debt financing programs has been provided to the private sector to finance business expansion projects that stimulate economic growth in our communities; and

- As a result of our financial support to employers to hire summer students and youth, over 807 young people have been provided with employment opportunities this summer.

Mr. Speaker, the Northern Employment Strategy represents a significant shift in how this government approaches economic development and job creation. It focuses on developing co-ordinated approaches to economic development in creative partnership with the private sector, communities and regional based organizations.

I would like to congratulate my colleagues, the Honourable Charles Dent, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and the Honourable Manitok Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs as well as all Members of this House for their efforts in making this program a success.

Mr. Speaker, as the Premier has stated on many occasions, the development of our non-renewable resource sector represents our single most important opportunity for sustainable economic growth in the Northwest Territories. With this said, we are on the brink of the most significant period of non-renewable resource development in the history of the Northwest Territories with the development of one and perhaps more diamond mines over the next decade. Mr. Speaker, finding ways to maximize the employment and business opportunities resulting from the development of northern diamonds remains one of the key priorities of this government. The first step in the process was the negotiation of a socio-economic agreement with BHP for both the construction and operational phases of this project. The second step is ensuring that the north maximize its economic potential from the production of northern diamonds. Mr. Speaker, the one aspect of this economic potential that has received the most debate is the extent to which valuation and sorting is done in the Northwest Territories. As the Premier stated yesterday, the position of the Northwest Territories with respect to this issue is clear and unequivocal.

It is the position of the Government of the Northwest Territories:

- that diamonds mined in the Northwest Territories must be valued and sorted in a manner that provides an accurate value for royalty and taxation purposes and maximize the economic potential for the Northwest Territories;

- that the sorting and valuation facility or facilities must be located in an NWT community, off the mine site; and that potential NWT manufacturers be given the opportunity to purchase diamond 'rough' to maximize the economic potential for value added industries in the north.

Mr. Speaker, as Northerners we have a responsibility to ensure that when the federal government develops public policy on North America's first major diamond mine that it reflects the constituency we represent and ensures that all Canadians benefit from this development. Mr. Speaker, while the issue of valuation and sorting of northern diamonds is of great importance to this government, equally important is how taxation and royalty revenues from the production of northern diamonds are shared between the federal and territorial governments. Mr. Speaker, it is the position of this government that the revenues raised from the production of northern diamonds must be equitably shared with the people of the Northwest Territories. Revenues that will help reduce our reliance on the federal government and assist in the development of a strong and vibrant economy.

Mr. Speaker, we are not asking the federal government for more money, we are only asking as other Canadians are, like Mr. Tobin in Newfoundland, for a fair share of the new incremental revenues that this dynamic industry will bring. Mr. Speaker, it is important to emphasize that should we be unable to negotiate an equitable revenue sharing arrangement with the federal government, we will have to pursue alternative options for revenue generation from diamond production. My department is currently working on a paper to review these options, including but not limited to the introduction of new taxation measures.

Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi and I will be meeting with the federal Ministers of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Finance later this month and we intend to press our position concerning both revenue sharing and the valuation and sorting of northern diamonds at that time. I will keep all Members apprised of the results of these discussion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring the Assembly up-to-date on the commercialization of Canada's air navigation system under NAV Canada and the likely effects we should expect on the cost of air transportation in the north. I know this is an issue of interest for everyone who lives in the north because there is no region in Canada that is more dependent on air transportation than the Northwest Territories.

Just a little more than a year ago NAV Canada, a private corporation, assumed ownership and control of the Canadian air navigation system from Transport Canada. NAV Canada's legislated mandate is to operate the air navigation system in Canada exclusively on a cost recovery basis. The corporation will receive no appropriation or subsidy from the Government of Canada and the corporation does not answer to the federal Minister of Transport or the Parliament of Canada. NAV Canada answers only to its Board of Directors which is appointed to represent the interests of industry, labour and the public.

Up until now, the air navigation system has been paid for mainly through the Air Transportation Tax collected along with the fare on every air passenger ticket sold. Earlier this year, NAV Canada proposed to replace the Air Transportation Tax with a new fee structure based simply on gross aircraft weight and flight distance. The announcement of the new fee structure prompted a great deal of speculation as to its effect on the price of air travel and freight rates.

In truth, it is very difficult to make comparisons and projections between the two methods of collecting revenue because they work on entirely different principles. The Air Transportation Tax was levied strictly on passengers. It did not apply to air cargo. NAV Canada's new fees are based on the carrying capacity of the aircraft. The air carriers can recover the fees from the passengers or the cargo or some combination of the two. How the carriers will choose to distribute the fees remains to be seen.

While the fee structure would be, as intended, mainly revenue neutral on air routes in southern Canada, the northern air carriers and the Department of Transportation were quick to realize that it would increase passenger fares and air cargo rates in northern Canada. The new fee structure applies to an aircraft's carrying capacity regardless of whether that carrying capacity is fully or partially used. Flights on northern routes are not generally as full as flights on southern routes. Aircraft in the north carry freight mainly one way. Return flights are usually empty. The NAV Canada fees will have a greater impact on low traffic routes in the north than they will on high traffic routes in the south.

Since NAV Canada announced its proposed fee structure, we have lobbied hard with the Northern Air Transport Association (NATA), the northern air carriers and Chambers of Commerce for concessions and exemptions that would lessen its impact on the north. I have expressed my concerns directly and in writing to the federal Minister of Transport and the President of NAV Canada.

The Department of Transportation convened a meeting on September 2nd of provincial and territorial deputy ministers of Transportation to consider the impact of the fees. The deputy ministers from Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Manitoba agreed with our concerns with the impacts on northern and remote communities. British Columbia and Saskatchewan were not pleased with the consultation process. The deputy ministers agreed to put the issue at the top of their agenda for the Transportation Association of Canada's meeting in Montreal later this month.

At a meeting in Yellowknife on September 3rd with the department and NATA representatives, NAV Canada officials recognized that the fee structure would increase air transportation costs in the north, but if there were an increase, they thought it would be small.

The Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, the Deputy Premier; Mr. Joe Handley, the deputy minister of Transportation; Mr. Ken Copeland, the president and chief executive officer of NAV Canada and Mr. Arthur Andreassen, the director of Rates and Revenues, met in Ottawa on September 10th. At this meeting, NAV Canada conceded that the effect on northern air routes had been an oversight. They agreed to watch the impacts closely through the first phase of fee implementation when it takes effect on March 1, 1998.

They also agreed to better consultations for the second phase of implementation that begins on November 1, 1998 and extends the fee structure to include smaller aircraft.

As things stand today, we will have to wait and see how receptive and flexible NAV Canada is prepared to be to our representations. NAV Canada suggests that its new fee structure will not produce an increase in our air transportation costs of any more than three percent. Some northern air carriers have projected an increase as high as eight percent.

Mr. Speaker, my time is up. I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Nahendeh is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Minister's statement. Mr. Antoine, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the estimates of between three and eight percent apply to total industry revenues. As of yet, we have no indication how the carriers intend to distribute the fees between passenger fares and freight rates.

In any case, our efforts have certainly made NAV Canada aware of the effect of their new fees on the cost of northern air services. We will continue to work with the northern air industry and the Chambers of Commerce to see that the shift to cost recovery in Canada's air navigation system does not impose an unfair burden on the cost of air transportation in the north on which we depend and that is already too high. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Steen.

The Member for Nunakput is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. You have unanimous consent.

Thank you. Members' statements, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past 22 months, the 13th Assembly has had to deal with deficit reductions, division, transitional plans, housing shortages and a myriad of other issues. Mr. Speaker, the 13th Assembly has managed to get the deficit under control, the Student Job

Strategy this past summer, Project 2000, the Access to Information legislation and other initiatives have been successful to varying degrees.

However, we have not addressed the dilemma of population increase and forced growth. The Northwest Territories has the highest teenage birth rate per capita in the country. Inflationary factors of forced growth have caused increased spending within the social envelope to the point of sustainability. Mr. Speaker, we have to address this now. Other jurisdictions have implemented family planning programs and courses at the high school level. We need to begin these programs from the current drib-drab approach more pro-actively.

Mr. Speaker, family planning, high birth rates and teenage pregnancy are very delicate subjects to approach at the best of times. But something has to be done and it has to start now. Education of the implementation and ramifications of the continued teenage pregnancy and the impact socially, as well as monetarily, have to be explained.

Mr. Speaker, as an elected official over the past 22 months, I have tried to bring areas of constituency and territorial matters to this House. I have tried to provide constructive criticism as well as solutions to our problems. The legacy of the 13th Assembly will be of what we have accomplished, and not what we have pontificated on.

Later today I will ask the Minister of Health and Social Services about the issues surrounding family planning and strategies to address it.

Mr. Speaker, as I have said in this House before, a goal without a slogan is just a strategy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In most communities there is the need for daycare facilities for working parents and parents attending school. These people are trying to improve their lives by attending school or finding employment. Daycare is a necessary service for steps towards independence from government.

Under early childhood programs, there is funding available to the communities. To get this funding the community has to complete procedures laid down by the Department of Education. For two years a group within the community of Broughton Island has been trying to start a daycare but has been unsuccessful. The community needs assistance to achieve this goal. They are bewildered as to who to approach and how to approach them.

Mr. Speaker, when our government offers grants and programs to the people of the north, it is important that they also offer information and help so that all individuals can have equal access. Often, due to the lack of staff or information, small communities miss out on programs and money. Unfortunately, these are often the communities that need help the most. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr Arlooktoo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to raise an issue that is very important to people of my constituency. Electoral boundaries for Nunavut. The report of Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission was tabled in the House yesterday. I would like to express my appreciation to the commission for their hard work.

Early on in the process, Nunavut leaders recommended 20 to 22 seats for a Nunavut government. As I outlined in my verbal submission to the commission, I believe that 17 seats for the Nunavut government, as outlined in the report, is a more realistic number. This recommendation is more cost-effective and still provides constituents with the representation they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I have consulted with my constituents extensively on this issue. Kimmirut and Cape Dorset are in general agreement with the recommended Model C which keeps these two communities together.

These communities share the same culture, dialect and have close family ties. A shared riding makes sense and I agree. However, the residents of Sanikiluaq expressed a resounding no to being grouped with Whale Cove in a shared riding.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Sanikiluaq is in a unique position. It is geographically remote from all other communities of Nunavut. Scheduled airline flights are difficult, if not impossible. Many of the family and cultural connections are with the Inuit of Quebec, not Whale Cove. Mr. Speaker, this is not a rejection of Whale Cove by Sanikiluaq residents, but simply a desire by Sanikiluaq residents to have their unique situation recognized in a separate riding (Translation ends).

I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In conclusion, it is my intention to move a motion in committee of the whole tomorrow when we are discussing these issues requesting that changes be made to the recommended Model C to give Sanikiluaq its own seat in Nunavut Legislature. Also, today I will table the letter sent to me by the mayor of Sanikiluaq, Peter Kattuk, outlining his concerns over the proposed electoral boundary for Sanikiluaq. I look forward to debating this issue tomorrow and elaborating on my concerns for the Members of the Session. Thank you.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in July the north and labour lost a strong leader when Mr. Jimmy Evoy, president of the NWT Federation of Labour passed away from a heart attack. Mr. Evoy was only 54 years old, which is quite young today. Mr. Evoy was a strong advocate of working peoples' rights and community well being in the north. In addition to his position with the NWT Federation of Labour, Mr. Evoy also served as vice-president of the Canadian Labour of Congress. Mr. Speaker, I knew Jim since 1984 when I was working on an overall pipeline and he came to visit the project as a labour leader. He was always a strong supporter of people who were less fortunate than him. In fact, he lived and breathed it. He also had a good sense of humour, which he often used to make a point as he did with the clothing drive for the MLAs a couple of days before his heart attack. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Morin, the Premier of the Northwest Territories, indicated that while we did not always see eye to eye on things, I did recognize and respect his opinion and his passion for the rights of northern workers. Mr. Speaker, the north has lost a strong voice, and advocate for the rights of the common people. While we did not always agree with him, as the Premier said, we did recognize and respect his opinion. I am sure that I speak for all the MLAs when I say that we will miss his wit, his commitment and his dedication not only to labour issues but for most causes that required a strong voice. Thank you.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning Lydia Bardak, the executive director of the Northwest Territories Council for Disabled Persons, was on the radio discussing the issue she is being confronted with regarding children within our education system who have difficulties and disabilities. Ms. Bardak indicated she has had significant increase in calls from both families and educators desperately looking for help for their children. These children have a right to an education under the current Education Act.

However, Mr. Speaker, this system, which we call mainstreaming, is not working. It is not working for various reasons, the main one is the student's inability to learn within the way and environment they are being taught in. Schools cannot provide for every student's specific need who walks in their doors. The term mainstreaming or inclusive schooling sounds like a wonderful term where all students with various differences can learn together. However, schools cannot provide the learning environment for these various needs even though they are mandated to do so by the Education Act. We have children who are blind, who are deaf, who have physical disabilities, who are mentally challenged, who have fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects in epidemic proportions. We have dyslexic children and autistic children. These children are placed within the regular school alongside the rest of the school population and have a right to receive an education to their level and ability to understand like everyone else. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this does not and cannot happen.

I also received a letter from Mrs. Bardak who asked and I quote, "Why do we not have adequately trained professionals? What is the point of inclusive education? It is nothing more than babysitting." I submit that Mrs. Bardak is very close to the truth for many students. Let us be honest. How can we possibly expect teachers to educate students within one class with these various needs without the proper training and support? I commend our teachers, but as hard as they may try they cannot succeed under these circumstances. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? Mr. Henry, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you colleagues. The new Education Act has increased the student/teacher ratio in classroom and this, the Minister of Education advises, will continue. The Education Act has provisions for funding for students with special needs. Sounds great for those who need it. However, schools are forced to then prioritize how they will use that funding within the school system having to choose one child's needs over another. Mr. Speaker, how can the school tell the parent of a child with special needs that their child cannot receive special programming because the resources were used for another. Educational institutions are being forced to make these tough decisions. We have all heard the term, education is the key to the future of the north. Mr. Speaker, I suggest that we will have to do more to provide that key. Later today, I will be asking the Minister of Education on this particular topic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During this time of cutbacks and community empowerment, it is my concern that we are not downloading our programs just for the sake of downloading. As we are all aware, the more we devolve to the communities and the more responsibility these communities are taking on, means the risk of more financial ruin. My concern is, are we as government providing all the necessary information that is required to ensure we do not have any form of backlash? Do all programs that are being administered by the communities have the required resources? I do not want my community in the north to suffer simply because of lack of resources. If there are other problems, then the community must adjust accordingly. We cannot be seen as the group that caused all these problems. We are moving at a tremendous pace as well as our communities and I hope that all is well. It is good that our community people are taking advantage of community empowerment. I hope more people jump in and

start taking advantage of the opportunities that can be realized for community operation and programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. O'Brien on June 2nd, tender closing for the Medevac contract award--Oral Question 516-13(4). On April 1, 1996 the Department of Health and Social Services transferred the funding and authority for medical travel to hospital and health boards. The boards were directed to issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) for charter air medevac carrier services.

In the Keewatin, a review committee met to review proposals submitted in response to the RFPs. The committee recommended the Keewatin Regional Health Board re-issue the RFPs with more precise specifications regarding aircraft type, runway capabilities, range and speed. Unfortunately, the Board did not formally advise the proponents that they had decided to cancel the proposal call. They have been directed to do so and intend to re-issue this RFPs shortly.

I also have another return, Mr. Speaker, asked by Mr. Picco on June 3, 1997, Penalty for Contravening the Financial Administration Act. On June 3, 1996 Mr. Picco asked if there was a penalty for circumventing the Financial Administration Act. Offences and punishment are addressed in sections 105 and 106 of the Act. Section 106 specifies that:

"Every public officer or other person who wilfully contravenes this Act or the regulations is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both." Thank you.

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a former MLA of this House who is now living in Fort Resolution, Pete Fraser. Pete is very involved, in working with the elders. He also sits in the Elders Justice Committee and helped organize the trip for the elders to Lac St. Anne this summer from Fort Resolution.

--Applause

Thank you, welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, I do not often get an opportunity to do this, but I would like to recognize this afternoon Mr. and Mrs. John Davenport. John gives me advice frequently even when I do not want it on the budget. John is currently employed with the NWT Power Corporation and my understanding is that he is currently on assignment as resident lecturer with Arctic College. I would like everyone to give them a welcome. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two visiting members of our management team of the Housing Corporation from the Baffin Region, Mr. Peter Scott is the district director and with him is Hunter Tootoo who is on senior management assignment with the Housing Corporation.

--Applause

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot definitely say that there will not be any reductions. I do not think that I can anticipate that, pending what happens financially outside the control of this government. The budget still has to be approved by the Financial Management Board and through the Assembly. I can say with as much certainty as possible that there is not any anticipation of implementing formula funding discussions within the life of this government, the allocations based on some of the work that has been done to date. As I had indicated, we are planning on a $4 million reinvestment into the health care of the Northwest Territories in the 1998/99 fiscal year, and tried to target some strategic investments to address some long term impacts on our health care, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, in respect to the issue of any shifts in resources as a result of the formula funding exercise that the department and the boards were undertaking, no, there are not any anticipated plans within the life of this government to implement any of the potential shift that might have occurred as a result of that exercise. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot answer that. I do not know why they would be all centralized. With the Stanton Regional Board as it stands now, I will commit to taking a look at the rationale for that, where their service areas are, the days of service and get back to the Member. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As indicated, I do not know what the rationale or why it is that there are five positions with the Stanton Regional Board. As I indicated, I will find out more information on that particular issue and advise the Member accordingly. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, the Honourable Charles Dent. Under the Education Act, schools are dictated to follow an inclusive education system for all students. Would the Minister please indicate what resources and funding his department provides to schools to assist in students with special needs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for Education, Culture, and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Has the Minister, through his department, received any concerns from schools and parents in particular that the resources that are provided are sufficient to provide the services for the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that. If I heard the Minster correctly, he is telling me that the school boards have communicated to him that in fact they do need more resources, and over the years the amount that he has provided to school districts has increased.

In light of the request from school boards that more resources are required and there is a sufficient amount of monies being provided to follow-up and provide the requirements that are called for in the Act for all students, what is his department doing about this shortage? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has advised us that he does not have any additional funds. He also tells us that the school boards are telling him that they need more resources. The Minister provides direction to school boards through the Act on what is required and what is needed, as far as education for students.

Would the Minister consider changing some portions of the Act if he does not have the money to dictate that parts of the Act have to be followed? Would he consider changing some parts of the Act to the level of funding that he has? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, in my home community of Arviat this week, 10 year old Armand Kaviok died as a result of injuries after falling from his bicycle.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, if ultrasound equipment was available in the health centre, is it possible that the seriousness of the injuries this boy suffered could have been diagnosed and possibly a life could have been saved? Can the Minister advise me as to whether there are any regulations in place that are legislated to ensure these types of equipment should be installed, or should be in place, in health centres across the north? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if there is anything legislated that has to be supplied in respect to equipment in health centres. It is an unfortunate incident that the honourable Member refers to. Quite frankly, I do not think the availability of certain types of equipment would have changed the circumstances of the situation, not knowing the full details of the particular accident the honourable Member speaks of. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, is the Minister stating there are no regulations that are legislated, or he is not sure? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not certain if there are regulations or legislative requirements in respect to minimal or mandatory equipment to be provided. I will check into the matter and see if that is the case and advise the Member. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance has spoken about tax regimes. I would like to ask the Minister, will he look at implementing a territorial tax break for single parents and low income families? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

My honourable colleague actually raised this issue with me earlier in the year with respect to the possibility of looking at a tax break for low income single parent families. We are looking at that right now. I cannot commit today as to whether we would put it into the January budget, but we are certainly taking a serious look at it, recognizing that on the low end income side, families are hurting and suffering out there. There may be a way to put something in place that would assist them, as has been done in other jurisdictions like BC. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will request Mr. Todd to answer that question. He is in charge of the Aurora Fund.

Thank you. The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is important to understand how the Aurora Fund is set up. It is not set up as a bank. It is set up as system where immigrants are prepared to invest money in the Canadian north. Based upon them meeting certain criteria and certain security checks, they then receive a passport into Canada, as is done in pretty well all jurisdictions across Canada from British Columbia to Quebec. As the potential new immigrants come into the system, the money comes into the system and goes into an escrow account. We have a manager of the Aurora Fund who then reviews applications with the investment committee. As the money flows in, it then flows out with respect to the investments that may be on the books that the management investment committee have recommended. I do not know if that has answered the question of my colleague, but that is it.

Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Todd.