Thank you, Mr. Henry. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the GNWT' draft Transition Action Plan for the creation of two new territories. This plan reaffirms our commitment to creating two new territories in the most orderly and responsible manner possible. It also identifies many of the challenges that will face all parties if we are to ensure a successful transition from one territorial government to two. Mr. Speaker, it is important to state at the outset that we recognize that a significant portion of the detail in this plan deals with Nunavut. I want to assure Members of this House, as the Premier stated in his opening comments for this session, that we will be supplementing this plan with one that provides more detail on the transition costs for the new Western Territory within the next 40 days.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the Minister responsible for western transition planning, the Honourable Charles Dent, will be tabling in this House next week a further report that focuses more strictly on the issues related to the transition to a new Western Territory. Mr. Speaker, there are many players in the implementation process: the Interim Commissioner, the Western Coalition, the federal government, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Nunavut Implementation Commission and the Caucuses of this Legislative Assembly. All of the parties have made significant efforts in the planning phase, however, the time for planning is over and the time for action and implementation has begun.

Mr. Speaker, the fundamental purpose behind tabling this document today is to provide an outline of the steps that need to be taken to see us through the transition period and to create two functioning governments on April 1, 1999. It is important to stress, Mr. Speaker, that this document represents our best analysis of the current situation and is being offered to all of the parties in a spirit of cooperation and partnership. It is simply advice and nothing more.

Although the GNWT will continue to be the government in Nunavut until April 1, 1999, we have no legal mandate to implement transition measures in Nunavut. It is clear that transitional responsibility rests with the Interim Commissioner and the federal government. As I, and my other Cabinet colleagues have stressed over the past two years, the GNWT will do whatever it can to support this process, recognizing that we are dependent, to a large extent, on others to make some critical decisions and on the provision of reasonable funding from the federal government. Mr. Speaker, in developing this plan, critical information was gathered from all departments. Using key assumptions, we have mapped out the actions and costs necessary for the creation of two new territories by April 1, 1999. Most of the costs identified are not funds that would flow directly to this government, but rather through the office of the Interim Commissioner and the Nunavut government.

The plan assumes that critical headquarters functions will be up and running in Nunavut on April 1, 1999, but that other headquarters positions will not yet be in place. Mr. Speaker, this reality is accepted by all parties and forms the basis for existing federal funding assumptions. Mr. Speaker, another important consideration in the development of the plan is the revised schedule for completion of the infrastructure required in many Nunavut communities. This new schedule will result in further administrative challenges in managing the transition period, particularly for the office of the Interim Commissioner. There are many core functions that must be in place (either staffed or contracted) for Nunavut to operate as a government on April 1, 1999.

Mr. Speaker, there will very likely be a need for the Nunavut government to request the Western Territory to provide some services under contract on a cost recovery basis for a period of time. It is important that decisions on contracting be made soon to allow the west to retain the key human resources required to provide these services should agreement be reached on this key issue.

Another critical area is that of systems. Governments depend on all types of systems to run and provide services, such as health, motor vehicles and courts. These systems need to be in place early and it takes money and lead time to do this. Key decisions must be made and adequate funding must be put in place very soon to ensure that these systems are in place for the Nunavut government on April 1, 1999. The plan identifies significant transition costs leading up to and after April 1, 1999. These affect both west and east and include such costs as staffing, removal expenses, office space and data management systems. Mr. Speaker, as Members are aware the federal government has already provided $150 million in funding for the transition to a new Nunavut government. While this funding was and is extremely important in moving the process forward, it is important to point out that the federal government had to allocate this funding without the detailed information that we now have at hand for both the east and west. For example, Mr. Speaker, key staffing decisions such as the hiring of deputy ministers, Legislative Assembly staff and many of the other central legal, financial systems and personnel staff need to be made as soon as possible. These decisions may result in costs that were not anticipated in the federal government's original transition plan.

The total amount of resources required, as identified in the draft plan, exceed those funds identified by the federal government to date. It is fair to say that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been concerned about these transitional costs for some time, but this document now quantifies the additional financial resources that will be required for implementation. Mr. Speaker, I spoke with the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development about this matter last month and our officials have been meeting to consider how best to deal with these concerns. I am pleased to inform the House that Minister Stewart has agreed to a table that will allow all parties to assess the transition costs identified by the Government of the Northwest Territories.

--Applause

It is important to point out, Mr. Speaker, that it is our view that significant progress must be made on the resolution of these outstanding costs so the creation of Nunavut and the Western Territory becomes a reality. Given the current fiscal position of the Government of the Northwest Territories, there is no provision within our current budget for transitional costs nor is there any flexibility to redirect funding to this end. Simply put, the Government of the Northwest Territories cannot shoulder the costs to the detriment of program funding for the existing GNWT and the future Nunavut and western territorial governments. At a minimum, we are looking to the federal government for assurance that a reasonable level of funding to cover the transition costs, as outlined in the plan, will be covered off.

A few examples of the issues and the estimated cost of implementation:

- recruiting for Nunavut headquarters positions - $20 million

- regional office decentralization - $18 million

- headquarters down-sizing, office space rationalization - $11 million

The need for additional funding to ensure an adequate transition cannot be understated. A clear and timely commitment from the federal government is vital to the implementation process. Nevertheless there is much that can and must occur, to get the ball rolling-decision points for many of these issues rest with the Interim Commissioner:

- hiring of critical senior staff must begin immediately,

- decisions on computer systems must be made immediately,

- requests to the GNWT for contracting back for services not yet fully functional by 1999 must be made very soon.

Mr. Speaker, any discussion of transition measures, particularly as they relate to Nunavut, would not be complete without considering the issue of decentralization. As Members of this House are aware, the Government of the Northwest Territories has continually supported the concept of a decentralized government for Nunavut so long as it was efficiently designed and that adequate federal financing was made available. The Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to the implementation of the decentralized model of government for Nunavut on this basis.

Mr. Speaker, the draft transition plan deals specifically with the steps that are required to ensure that decentralization proceeds. It includes an estimate of approximately $18 million as the one-time costs associated with decentralization. In our view, this information will be critical to the office of the Interim Commissioner and the future Nunavut government to ensure that decentralization occurs as quickly and efficiently as possible. Mr. Speaker, this plan is not a request by the GNWT for $136 million. This plan is really an alert to all of the parties that there are significant transition costs associated with creating two territories. This plan is a guide for action. It is not a perfect document nor does it contain all of the answers, however, it does outline the order of magnitude to the task at hand. We hope that all of the parties, particularly the Interim Commissioner and the federal government, will take this information and use it as a guide for action.

Mr. Speaker, creating two territories is a massive challenge-one which few governments have ever had to deal with. This transitional action plan offers a path towards that goal and also provides a realistic assessment of the opportunities and constraints along the way. I hope that all of the parties will view it accordingly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise today on behalf of the Members of the Nunavut Caucus to indicate our collective support for the government's transition plan for the creation two new territories-the Transition Action Plan that the Honourable John Todd has outlined in his Minister's statement and which will be tabled in this House later today.

Mr. Speaker, Members of Nunavut Caucus recognize that this plan is not, I repeat not a blue print for decentralized Nunavut government as proposed in Footprint 2 and agreed to by all parties. This is a concern to us all, Mr. Speaker, and to all our constituents that the implementation of the decentralized government structure is not the responsibility of the GNWT nor is it possible to achieve in the few short months remaining.

While we recognize that fact, Mr. Speaker, we also recognize we have a duty to the people of Nunavut and that duty is to ensure an orderly transition to a reportable, functioning government in Nunavut on April 1, 1999.

In the 18 short months remaining, we must move quickly within our mandate to establish as many functioning components of Nunavut government as we realistically can within the limit of the transitional fund provided by the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, in the absence of any other plan or direction we believe this government has taken the necessary steps to develop a realistic plan that proposes to do the most we can and the least we must do to ensure essential government function in Nunavut on April 1, 1999.

Of course, this is subject to federal recognition and remuneration of the transition costs laid out in the plan. Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

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

Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence. Mr. Speaker, we must move now. Members of the Nunavut Caucus are hopeful that this transitional plan will receive a favourable response from all colleagues in the west, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, our partners in the east and particularly the office of the Interim Commissioner.

We must move forward together, Mr. Speaker. Our pace must be swift if we are to accomplish even the minimal, yet crucial task this plan calls for. We may be able to do more, Mr. Speaker; but not alone. It will take the combined and co-operative effort of all parties to achieve our goal of the functioning Nunavut government on April 1, 1999.

That will only be the beginning, Mr. Speaker. We have not given up on our dream of a decentralized Nunavut government that is, responsive and responsible to all our people. That is what they want, Mr. Speaker. That is what they need.

Mr. Speaker, but we can only assure that dream if we move now to establish a foundation on which to build the model we want. Individually, we are all disappointed that we are not further along in our preparation for our new government and our new territory, Mr. Speaker; but we are at the critical point in what will come to be known as the history of Nunavut and we must move forward in concert and with conviction. Mr. Speaker, our history and our future will be reflected of our dreams. Thank you.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Member for Thebacha is requesting unanimous support to conclude his statement. Do I have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Miltenberger, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, before I was elected, I was a teacher in the classroom. Being a teacher today is not an easy job, as we all know. The priorities are the students themselves. The students have to be in a friendly and safe environment. At present, the Inuksuit School in Broughton Island is overcrowded and planning for the addition of the school is to start in the year 2000 to 2001. Building of the addition is to take place in the year 2001 to 2002. The community would like to have the date for this project moved forward. The classrooms are overcrowded and this makes it hard for the students to learn.

The Community Education Counsel and Hamlet Counsel in Broughton Island have both written letters asking that additions be built sooner. They have had no success to date. We know that in times where there is little money for us to operate with, the community of Broughton Island feels that this is the time where the government may have to relook at their priorities. Four years is too long to wait for a school addition that was needed a year ago. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker as of

March 31, 1997, a total of 125 new cases of cancer were reported in the NWT Cancer registry for the period from 1990 to 1996, for the Baffin Region only. In my constituency for the same time period, there were a total of 15 cases reported, nine in Arctic Bay, four in Grise Fiord, two in Resolute.

This is only a portion of the Nunavut area. Many cancers can be cured when found in the early stages. In the communities, the time between diagnosis and treatment is very long. During the delay a patient may suffer further damage or perhaps die. In remote communities, there is a potential for delay in diagnosis. Limited facilities, lack of storage for medical staff results in delays, not only for diagnosis, but proper treatment as well. Inaccessibility to the full choice of cancer treatments also compromises the health of the cancer victim. Mr. Speaker, early detection and availability of effective treatments reduce the number of cancer incidents in my constituency for the whole Northwest Territories. If we can prevent the loss of life due to cancer, we could also make an effort to do so. This may mean the government may have to develop new methods and programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker over the past two weeks there have been many concerns raised with the financing of the construction of the new hospital to be built in Iqaluit. This hospital is to serve the people of the Baffin Region. It was first discussed in the 1988 health transfer agreement between the GNWT and the federal government. Subsequent to that agreement was a commitment in letter form to replace, not renovate the existing facilities. Mr. Speaker, last week the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo chaired the meeting with the chair of the Health Board, Ms. Ann Hanson, and the chief executive officer of the Health and Social Services Board, Ms. Pat Kermain. The Baffin MLA along with Minister Ng and senior officials with the Department of Health and Social Services also participated. The discussions were a combination of meetings held between myself, Ms. Hanson and Kermain, going back to November, 1995.

This past summer at the Baffin Member's meeting and again with the chairs of the Nunavut health boards and Finance Minister Todd, we met in Iqaluit to discuss the construction and funding for the facility. The confusion, Mr. Speaker, in the media and with the public at large needs to be clarified.

First of all, the question of replacement and renovation, it has always been our understanding that the federal commitment based on the original 1988 agreement called for a contribution based on the aboriginal population of the region preceding construction. Today, that is approximately 85 percent. After questioning the Minister of Health and Social Services in this House, it came out that the federal government had issued approximately $10 million since the 1988 agreement to the Government of the Northwest Territories. This money, as per the understanding, would be accessed for the first facility under the 1988 agreement, Inuvik or the Baffin hospital to be built. However, the money was, as is the custom, deposited in a consolidated revenue fund and had been spent. Thus, the Government of the Northwest Territories has to replace these funds. With the deficit reduction plans in place, it is outside the monetary ability of the government to finance both Inuvik and Baffin hospitals from general revenue, and therefore, private financing in conjunction with the Government of the Northwest Territories is needed to build the facilities.

The meetings held over the past 22 months and again last week were to discuss and update these plans. With the clock ticking towards division, it is imperative to begin these projects during this, the last budget cycle of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The concern in the Baffin region was the accessing of private financing to help facilitate the construction of the hospital. On August 7th, in Iqaluit, a mechanism to accomplish this was signed by Ms. Hanson and Jerry Ell, chief executive officer of the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, I would seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

The Member for Iqaluit is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays. There are no nays. Mr. Picco, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleagues, first time. Regarding our meetings last week and conversations, Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the people of Iqaluit and the residents of the Baffin region that the Deputy Premier, Goo Arlooktoo, and the other Baffin MLAs are committed to having the new Baffin hospital proceed on time and on budget. We have been working on this as I stated earlier for several months. The project has not stalled and we are now in the functional and program design stage. The recent media reports have caused some concern and I understand the anxiety. However, Mr. Speaker, this project has never been taken lightly. We are aiming for the construction to commence this fall. That has not changed. I understand today that the Minister for Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng, has accepted the resignation of Ms. Ann Hanson for the chair of the Baffin Regional Health Board. Mr. Speaker, Ann Hanson has worked tirelessly for the people of Baffin, as chair of the health board and I know personally the work and long hours she spent above and beyond the call of duty in that position. I respect her decision and thank her for her support and friendship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members' statements, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of the sudden death of Mrs. Meg Kuksuk. Mr. Speaker, Meg was a respected elder and an active member in the community of Arviat. I am sure my fellow members will join me in offering our sincere condolences to the Kuksuk family, relatives and friends. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last several months, I have heard many concerns about the process leading up to the creation of the two new territories. The concerns seem to be centred around the number of reports prepared on behalf of Nunavut as opposed to the number prepared for the new Western Territory. These concerns have to be dealt with and put to rest, when one looks at the facts. We in the west, have a tried and proven method of delivery of services to the public. This method, I suggest, will not change at least until after division. Nunavut, on the other hand, has to start from scratch, hence, the amount of paper and planning required by and for Nunavut, to design, plan and implement which is no daunting task when creating a new system of government for an area the size of Nunavut. For the most part, we in the west have much less to do in regard to implementation. Mr. Todd, today, talked about opportunities and Mr. Speaker, I believe division does hold opportunities for the competent bureaucrats that are already in place here in the west. For Nunavut to have in place, a necessary infrastructure to house the workers required to administrate the programs of the new government will not be a reality by division.

Mr. Speaker, given the fiscal constraints, which all governments must operate under, I would suggest an opportunity exists for the present bureaucracy to contract out its highly skilled work force to the new territory of Nunavut, at least until the necessary infrastructure is in place. All parties should look at concerns that have been raised and fears expressed by one side or the other not getting a fair break in regard to assets and liabilities or formula financing.

I would fight to those concerns as follows: the expertise in preparing the implementation of the information that decisions are made are worked up senior bureaucrats who have years of education and training along with an indepth knowledge of the north and its people. I have seen the work of these individuals which have produced, and am pleased to say, I am impressed with the quality and simplicity of the approach.

On the question of formula financing, this is a little more difficult. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Henry, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the question of formula financing. This is a little more difficult. The area or issue will be an engagement between the federal government and each of the two new governments. For the most part, Mr. Speaker, in the west we will not see in most communities any noticeable change.

Teachers will still be in the classroom, health care will still be provided by the same method of delivery as is presently in place, et cetera, et cetera. The only qualifier to the above is the amount of dollars Ottawa provides in the formula financing to each of the two new territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. 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. Ootes, the status of personnel secretariat. On October 3, 1997 Mr. Ootes asked how many individuals and how many positions were left in the personnel secretariat. There are eight positions in the personnel secretariat, of these eight positions, two are currently vacant, six are staff. Two of the six staff are on transfer assignment and one of the staff is on leave prior to retirement. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have the opportunity to recognize very many people in the gallery but today, I would like to recognize the senior administrative officer of Repulse Bay up there in the white shirt and his name is Sheldon Dory and also the Mayor, Steve Mapsalak of Repulse Bay. They are here meeting with officials of some departments.

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent from Cambridge Bay, Suzie Sim. Thank you.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to recognize Sue Enge and her daughter, Nicole Rosanne Enge. Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Could you ask her to wave to the Members? Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Finance. It concerns the Baffin regional hospital financing. Can the Minister inform this House at what stage the government is with the funding for the facility?

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I appreciate my colleague's statement today that brought some clarity to the issue, but the reality is up until recently, there was a pinch of dispute between the parties on the conditions in which we set for proceeding with the hospital. One of the conditions we set was the dollar value as in terms of the footprint and I still do not have clarity on that whether all parties agree with that. The other condition that we set was we wanted consideration given that we would privately finance this hospital or partially privately finance it . The consumer's concession should be given to the Kitikaluit Development Corporation as was being given to all other parties in Inuvik and Rankin. I do not, to this date, have confirmation of those two conditions I have met. When I do, we will proceed.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister assure this House that the new Baffin/Inuvik hospitals will not be put at risk because of the proposed construction of other health facilities?

Mr. Todd.

Well, Mr. Speaker, I can tell them that the desire of this government is to proceed with these hospitals as we have said consistently. The only thing that is going to put us at risk is the inability for compromise to be reached by his colleagues in Baffin. He brings forward a compromise and understanding that we meet the conditions that I have said. I want to be clear in this House the conditions we set with respect to the fiscal framework and the cost that we felt that we can afford as well as an arrangement to be made with the people of Baffin Island. We will proceed an expeditious way to move forward on the development of this hospital proposal. But it is not our position to ask for the position. How could I put it, Mr. Speaker. We are still waiting on confirmation that those two conditions will be met. Once we have reached that, we will be prepared to move forward in an aggressive way to proceed with the construction of both Inuvik and the Iqaluit hospitals. It will not be to the detriment of any other health facilities that we are planning. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of truths and half truths, innuendo and rumours concerning the funding of these hospitals because of the convoluted nature of the agreement since 1988. I wonder if the Minister of Finance can confirm the federal commitment being offered by the federal government on the construction of both facilities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, everybody keeps talking about the 1988 agreement or the 1986 agreement, the rules of engagement have changed dramatically since then. We were not in up to the fiscal position that we are in now as we were then. So, I think it is important to point out to my colleague that what we are trying to do is find a creative, innovative solution to the development of the hospital facilities that are required across the territories. That is our desire. I have recruited, as I said last week, a technical expert on the public/private partnerships. We are raising to try to get that put together so that we can bring a policy forward to Cabinet to get approval. Once that is done, we can sit down with the parties that are interested in financing these new hospitals and move forward. It is also my understanding that Mr. Ng has given, and is prepared to give, the monies necessary for the program and facility planning to the boards. We are on side, as I said to my colleague. He has to get to his colleagues in Baffin on side on this issues. It is not us that is holding this issue up.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have had several meetings in the Baffin Region during the Baffin Leaders' Summit in July where we had agreements and also the meeting with Mr. Todd in August. I do not see any difficulty in the Baffin Region. Will the Minister be meeting in the near future with our partners, the developers and financiers, to work

out the logistics of the funding of the construction in the near future? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Todd.

A note to my colleagues in the House, I have a copy of the letter from Mr. Jeriel advising me that the Baffin hospital board has rejected their proposal that they be a partner in the development of this hospital facility. I am prepared to move forward when we get confirmation that the Baffin Board is prepared to accept 1) that there has to be public/private partnership approach to this issue; 2) that it is within the fiscal framework that we outlined to them at a meeting that I thought we had an agreement on and found out later we did not. So I am not prepared to move and any further discussions until such time as I get clarity on those two issues.

Oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be speaking in Inuktitut. As I stated earlier during my Member's statement the students in Broughton Island have a very small classroom. The teachers are suffering because of the small classroom that is provided to him or her and the educational board in Broughton Island met and discussed this problem. They had requested that the building of the additional classroom be put ahead because the plan is far into the future yet, and they do not want to wait for this date for the additional classroom to be built. I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment as to whether or not this could be brought forward ahead of time rather than being done on the date that it is supposed to be done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

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

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. By the way, welcome back Mr. Ng. On September 29, 1997, a letter was written to the honourable Minister from Pauluongayak representing the steering committee, health discharge to natal to postnatal additional program and so on. We recognize the fact that there is a government plan to build a regional hospital in Cambridge Bay in this riding health care to Kitikmeot region until it happens to be a community of that region. Sometime when you come up with a solution, there are times that you also have a consequence. Mr. Speaker, a number of questions came out from the community of Taloyoak. One is, will that hospital provide the services which are currently provided by Stanton Regional Hospital? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a regional health facility, and the scope of what services would be available would be determined after a program review and based on what can be affordable. First of all, based on what the Kitikmeot health board and leaders in the region would expect as far as having services that possibly could be delivered in the region. That type of program would still have to be determined as we entered into some of the planning stages for the regional health facility, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the Minister, there are times when we see a stage plan that has never seen a reality, but there are times when merely a plan becomes a reality. Mr. Speaker, my supplementary question is that since we are planning to build a hospital in Cambridge Bay, is not there any thought given to providing a boarding facility for the people of the Natilikmiot Region in the event the hospital is built? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a bit premature to be speaking on whether or not there would be boarding facilities required. As we know now there are some services that are centralized in Cambridge Bay. For example, I use the orthodontist where they bring in patients from the other communities and they home board a lot of those individuals or place them in the hotels if there is no home boarding available in order to try to provide a more

efficient service that is regionally based. Again, it would be determined on what services would be available and what needs would be there in some of the planning, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral question. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the same Minister, in line of my questioning, we used to have a pilot project in Taloyoak which, I believe, was established in 1989 that was to provide a birthing program for Taloyoak, Pelly Bay and Gjoa Haven. I am wondering if the Minister will continue to recognize that program and continue to provide services and funding that may be required by that community even when the hospital is built. I understand that it is currently in the planning stage only. Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would say it is safe to say that it is not even in the planning stage except for the fact that it is a conceptual project right now that is supported by the health board, supported by the ministry and supported by leaders in the region in trying to develop a facility that can hopefully reduce some of the travel and expand some of the services that may be available in the region if it is not available in the local community. The direction of this government is for health and social services. We are going to try to provide as much services as possible in their home communities so people do not have to leave and do not have to disrupt the normal routine of their lives in trying to receive treatment. Secondly, if that is the case where they do have to leave the community, then at least try to retain them within the region if it is economical to do so and if the service can be efficiently provided, Mr. Speaker. Failing that of course, going to the centre where the services would be available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

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

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have asked Members of Cabinet and each Minister has assured me that they have not been informed officially by any party that they are subject to any kind of investigation by the RCMP, but I was unable to ask other Members of the Assembly. I will leave that up to Mr. Ootes. He is the chairman of the Ordinary Members Caucus. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would suggest the Member read Hansard, it was the same question he asked yesterday. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister responsible for Division, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is important if I can, give me a moment, to put into context. I think if we looked somewhat historically, many of us would have hoped that we would be able to have an ideal turn key situation, as we reached April 1, 1999. Where all aspects of the new Nunavut government would be in place. The reality in today's world is that just simply has not happened for a variety of reasons and it is of no fault of anybody. So it was incumbent upon us when we looked at trying to determine a transition strategy-and I think the key word here is transition-that we would look at what essential ingredients or essential components of government we could put in place and the time left given that we are only one of the drivers in the car. In our best estimate it was clear that there would be a number of services that we would not be able to put into place prior to April 1, 1999. So, what has been suggested at the official's level between the Interim Commissions officer and my own is if the Interim Commissioner may wish to consider some bilateral arrangements between himself and this government in the delivery of services that will not be in place in April 1, 1999.

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

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, I think it is important to point out that the ultimate responsibility for deciding on where Nunavut wishes to purchase these transitional services until such time as the new Nunavut gets fully up and running lies with the Interim Commissioner. Certainly in our planning process we have indicated to his office and his staff that we are prepared to provide that service if they so wish, and we are under discussions right now of some possibilities and some categories as we would provide that service if he so wished. It is an important component, if you want, of this transition to two new governments, but ultimately the responsibility for purchasing those services lies with Mr. Anawak, the Interim Commissioner.

Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation, Mr. Antoine. I have had a number of constituents approach me about the governments proposal to re-zone land that currently controls the Yellowknife airport. This rezoning would result in the possibility of non-aviation related companies building premises at the Yellowknife airport. Given that the city of Yellowknife has many unserviced lots available and that there is an over abundance of land available in the city, I have a problem with the government competing with the private sector and the city of Yellowknife. Can the Minister tell me why this government is competing with the private sector as well as the tax-based municipality for the development of land which is in an abundance presently in Yellowknife? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation, particularly the airport here in Yellowknife has land around the airport and there is a development plan that has been in place for a number of years now. In this plan there is identification of blocks of land for different uses right at the airport for immediate access to the airport and so forth. We also have land there that is away from the airport between the Mackenzie Highway and the service road where there is non-airport related businesses that have established there and there is land available for such businesses. The intention of the department of transportation is not to compete against the Yellowknife businesses or the city of Yellowknife. In fact these lands are available for commercial development. They applied to us, and they go through NavCan approval and Transport Canada approval. Then they have to go to the city for the final approval of their development proposal. Once that is done, then the Department of Transportation then receives revenue at the airport for leasing the land, and the city in turn collects the taxes on these properties. There is a cooperation between the city and the Department of Transportation in developing these lands. We do not regard this whole process as competing with any business in this town. That is not the intention. The intention here is that the Yellowknife airport would like to generate revenue so that it could operate and function as an airport. The rezoning of the whole airport plan is initiated by the department and this is done with the city of Yellowknife and the intention here is to rezone all the airport property so that we have better control of what type of businesses

and what type of commercial enterprises would establish at the airport. We try to have the type of businesses established at the airport that is pure to the airport operation and is related to air services and so forth. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister. You had suggested that there was a plan in place for the development. Was this plan transferred with airports or was this plan prepared by the Government of the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this development plan at the Yellowknife airport was last updated in 1994 by Transport Canada while they were still the owners and operators of the airport. There is a need now to further update this land development plan here for the Yellowknife airport and that is what we intend to do by initiating the rezoning process in the city of Yellowknife. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister informs me that this plan was prepared or updated in 1994 so I take it that there was some work done on it prior to 1994. Mr. Speaker, this is 1997, and I would suggest that many developments have occurred in the north which I think have greatly impacted this plan in particular the diamond industry which hopefully will be locating a lot more activities in the north. I am wondering if the Minister has taken that into consideration in this plan and updated the plan further than the 1994 addition that he is talking about. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tie intention of the department is to complete the work over the next year in conjunction with full consultation with the city and with the airport users and all the stake-holders that might be involved with airport operation. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister commit to receiving the input of land owners presently surrounding the Yellowknife airport and receive their input into this rezoning and uses for the airport land? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this whole process is going to be handled by the city of Yellowknife and their rezoning procedures, so I am sure that anybody that is interested in the Yellowknife airport and wants input will have that opportunity. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as per my Member's statement earlier, my question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng. What programs does the department have to speed up the diagnose and treatment process for cancer in small communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, through the boards and the health centres there is an annual pap smear program that, I believe, is annual, maybe it is semi-annual, that ladies participate in. Under the well women's clinics some of the self-examination programs and awareness programs for breast cancer, those are the ones specifically that come to mind. I think that for specific cases of diagnoses would depend on the individual coming to the health centres or to the medical clinics, wherever they may be and the professionals assessing their family histories, depending on what types of possible cancer they may be looking for or medical history of the patient. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How many cancer specialists are currently employed by the Government of the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.