Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Jim Antoine and the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will be late in arriving into the House as they are presently attending a funeral here in Yellowknife.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise this House that as part of the upcoming Cabot 500 celebration being held in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, a group of Iqaluit athletes and cultural performers have been invited to participate in the Labrador Winter Games being held in Goose Bay, March 17th to 22nd. Mr. Patrick Tagoona, President of the NWT Arctic Sports Association, has assumed the responsibility for organizing the team that will participate in this event. With the contribution of $15,000 from the Goose Bay Hosts Society towards the total charter costs of $19,000 and local fund raising, he and other volunteers have been able to raise the necessary finances to attend this event. Each participant is also being asked to pay a $75 registration fee which will go to offset the costs for meals and accommodations at the games. The nine male and nine female athletes will be participating in target shooting, northern games, the labyrinth, snowshoe races, snowmobile races, ball hockey, volleyball, darts and table tennis. The athletes will compete along with 500 other representatives from the 31 communities in Labrador.

In addition to the athletes, a cultural contingent will also be travelling to the games. The cultural contingent will include two drum dancers, two throat singers and four Arctic sport demonstrators as well as four people who will take part in a fashion show. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the athletes every success in Labrador at the 1997 Labrador Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I have some happy news to present concerning some work that has been going on in Pangnirtung which concerns the Pangnirtung Fisheries and Cumberland Fisheries Limited. They had an excellent productive month in both December and November. They hired 49 employees and contributed approximately $93,000 directly into wages for the people of Pangnirtung. At this time, Mr. Speaker, this is extremely good news. It confirms and shows how hardworking the people of Pangnirtung are. At this time, I would also like to say that the Pangnirtung Fisheries and the employees have worked hard in continuing the fisheries. I am very proud of their achievement. They must receive assistance from Fisheries and Oceans by the federal government and I hope that they continue to receive this support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

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

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring an issue to the House that has never really been much of a problem until this winter. For the past many years residents from across the southern Great Slave Lake area have come to Yellowknife to stock up on caribou for their families, friends and communities. This has never been much of a problem. However, this year with the lack of caribou on the Gordon Lake winter road, this hunting traffic has discovered the winter road system that goes from Rae-Edzo north to Colomac Mines and other Dogrib communities. The increased traffic brings concerns to my people. We are not told who is hunting and how much caribou this group is taking back to their communities. There is also more wasted meat from some irresponsible hunters. All of this has a direct impact on the populations of this herd. We do not want our caribou depleted.

Fortunately, both the Rae Band Councils and the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development have been working closely together to find solutions that will help protect this valuable resource and still provide the needed meat for the people. It has been decided to maintain monitoring stations that will be sponsored by the Band Councils, and will have direct contact with Resources staff in case problems occur. With the co-operation of these two groups, it is anticipated that staff from the Yellowknife office will be making occasional trips on this road system to ensure all rules and regulations are followed. We realize that people want their caribou, but at the same time the hunters should follow all necessary regulations, and should have some consideration to respect this valuable resource. Mr. Speaker, at the opportune time I will be asking the Minister responsible questions regarding this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have been looking for ways to be more efficient and to make better use of resources since we came to this Assembly. I believe we have overlooked an opportunity right under our noses. We all know that one of the challenges of governing the NWT is the tremendous distances between communities. Every year this government spends thousands of dollars on travel, both for government employees on business and medical travel. The government has taken steps to limit travel wherever possible. However, it is a fact of life in doing business in the north. Travel is always going to be necessary for those with medical needs which cannot be met in their communities.

I believe there is another way to save money on travel, through the use of the frequent flier program. Many of us have experienced the benefits of frequent flier programs. We take a trip and, in the process, gain points towards a free trip. Right now, people travelling on a ticket purchased by the government are able to accumulate frequent flier points for that travel. In other jurisdictions, the government has found ways to accumulate the travel points from employees on duty travel. They can use these points for travel awards which can be used for other government business travel. It is estimated using frequent flier points represents a possible savings of between five and ten percent of the cost of air travel. Mr. Speaker, for every $5 million we spend on medical or duty travel, we could save up to $500,000 by pooling frequent flier points earned from duty and other government travel.

Mr. Speaker, other jurisdictions are finding ways to spread their travel dollars further through the frequent flier point system. This is too easy and obvious for our government, which relies so heavily on air travel, to ignore. I encourage the government to investigate this opportunity and, at the appropriate time, I will be asking the Minister some questions on this later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. 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. Barnabas.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends) In response to an alarming number of suicide attempts in Arctic Bay, the Suicide Prevention Committee of Arctic Bay was created. This committee is made up of teachers, nurses and health care workers. In September, 1995, a suicide was committed and it affected everyone deeply. Soon afterwards, a number of high school drama students decided they wanted to create a play which would address the issue of suicide in a frank and hard-hitting manner. Under the auspices of the Suicide Prevention Committee, the GNWT wellness grant was applied for, in which the students would create and perform a play called "This House has Many Rooms". From that point onward, it is the group of students, not the committee, which is important here. The play was a tremendous success. The reaction of the home community was overwhelming. The theatre company received the same response in Igloolik. The voices of the young actors and actresses in the company struck a powerful chord with the audience. The message of suicide prevention and awareness was delivered strongly and with a great deal of feeling. Something only a live, theatrical performance could achieve. Afterwards, the actors mixed with the audience in a powerful display of emotion and healing. Word of the Kicking Caribou Theatre Company's success reached the CBC and a documentary was shot in Arctic Bay for CBC North.

This year, the theatre company has a new play. It is called, "What is the matter, Mary Jane?" This is a much more challenging play in terms of stage craft and it explores the life of troubled young teenage girls and men. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. (Translation ends) It explores the life of a troubled young teenage girl as she attempts to come to grips with suicide, alcoholism and drugs in the family, coping with her uncertain vision of the future in Nunavut. We have just finished performing the play in Arctic Bay. Again, thanks to a wellness grant, the Kicking Caribou Theatre Company has achieved a measure of success that is admirable and it speaks very highly of the skills and deep commitment of all the members of the company.

On Wednesday, February 26, at Inukshuk High School in Iqaluit, the Kicking Caribou Theatre Company will perform their play to an audience of teachers representing communities across the Baffin. It is hoped that the educators who will be at this play will take the experience back to their communities, redoubling their efforts to spread the message of suicide prevention. It is also hoped that the theatre company will be invited to tour communities in the spring as they were last year. Unfortunately, lack of funding prevented an extended tour beyond Igloolik. We foresee the same financial problem this year. However, we are determined to raise the money needed to visit troubled communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Roland on February 5, with respect to continuous and non-continuous employees. During negotiations for the new collective agreement, information was shared with the UNW bargaining committee regarding the reductions in the wages and benefits required in order for the government to achieve its fiscal restraint targets. They were advised that the majority of savings required could be achieved through a reduction of gross compensation by 6.25 percent. The UNW bargaining committee proposed that the savings could be achieved through a combination of salary reductions and mandatory days of leave without pay. The problem with this proposal, from the government's perspective, was that the requirement for services provided by certain positions entails that the incumbents be replaced when they are absent from work. Accordingly, mandatory days of leave without pay for those positions does not result in any savings for the government.

The government's proposal on the matter provided the required savings would be achieved through a combination of salary reductions and mandatory days of leave without pay, where possible. Where mandatory days of leave without pay could not achieve the necessary savings, they were achieved through salary reductions only. This proposal formed part of the package that was subsequently forwarded and ratified by the UNW's membership. As a result, employees in positions that provide continuous service had their salaries reduced by 6.25 percent representing the overall targeted savings. Those who do not provide continuous service had their salaries reduced by 4.33 percent, with the remaining 1.92 percent achieved through the five mandatory days of leave without pay. Thank you.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me pleasure to recognize Pat Thomas, the president of the NWT Teachers' Association and, on behalf of the Members here, I thank her for the nice buttons that she has provided.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the speedskating team from Nunavut with representatives from both Pang and Iqaluit here. From Iqaluit we have Kevin Tikivik, Ootoo Maurice, Peter Jaloee, Benoit Savard, Nukasee Joamie and their coach, well-known, long-time educator in Nunavut and president of the Nunavut Teachers' Association, Mr. John Maurice.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Migitunik from Pangnirtung. She is on the speedskating team. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mike Kalnay. He works for FMBS and is in the gallery today. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Roland just pointed out, he is a constituent of mine.

-- Applause

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. My honourable colleague spoke many times on the issue of fairness and defended his constituency eloquently. The approach we have taken in the budgetary process is one that not only implies fairness, but provides an opportunity for each and every Member of this House to say their piece in the development of the budgets through the committee structure. It is a unique budgetary process that does not exist anywhere else in Canada. It allows both the ordinary Members and the Cabinet Ministers to work in harmony with each other, to try to meet each and everybody's requirements under the fiscal umbrella we have. I am not sure how else to answer my honourable colleague. I know that he may be taking some inordinate heat right now from his constituency, but I would like to say that we have listened very carefully to what this colleague has said. We have recognized that his constituency is suffering on the economic side right now, not just from this government's budgetary program, but because of some of the developments taking place over the number of years. There is a great deal of empathy for my colleague and his riding. I believe the process we have in place is a unique one. We have tried to be fair to the best of our ability. I would hope that he and his constituency would see that when we finalize this difficult budget that is facing us today. Thank you.

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

Mr. Todd.

If we are talking about capital expenditures, we have gone from an average of a $180 - $200 million in capital expenditures on an annual basis. Frankly, as part of our deficit elimination strategy, we agreed that we would take some money out of the capital budget, as well as from a variety of other areas within government. The capital expenditures for this year are somewhere in the $130 - $140 million range. It is natural that there are going to be less buildings built. We have tried to assess what the priorities of the government are: hospitals, schools, et cetera, to find a way in which we could manage the non-essentials on the capital side. Everybody, Mr. O'Brien, myself, others, have all taken hits. We have heard Mr. O'Brien talk eloquently about the need for his health care facility in Arviat. That came out because we put the money in Mr. Ningark's riding. These were requirements. They were done because of certain criteria. Priorities were established. It has not been the easiest task in the world, trying to determine where we put the money and where we do not. I hope that my colleague does not think that we have unfairly or unduly taken money out of his riding in isolation of monies out of other ridings. The reality is that we have less money to spend, less buildings get built and more people will be unhappy. That is just the reality of fiscal restraint. I have accepted that reality, and I know my colleague has worked hard to assist us in accepting it also. Thank you.

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

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You have to remember that I set the fiscal framework for this government based upon the advice and the support that I received from this House. We all agreed that we would balance the budget over a two-year period. In balancing the budget in the two-year period, I set targets for the Ministers within their portfolios. They had the responsibility and the authority to work with the committees to meet those targets. We are in what we call a reduction mode. That is how the process works. For example, I suspect my colleague is talking about Delta House because the budget is up today. Mr. Ng, who probably has one of the most difficult tasks before this House, was given certain targets. These targets were difficult to manage, but there was a clear recognition in the overall strategy that we need to ensure there was sufficient money to sustain the system. Then, Mr. Ng has to develop a budget along with committee, to meet the targets we have set so we can balance the budget and get on with making life better for northerners. Is it fair? I think it is fair. Is it difficult? Absolutely. Are people going to be unhappy? Yes, but hopefully we are going to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Now that we have managed to control our spending we can move quickly to do some other things. My colleague knows that we are working extremely hard to meet the requirement for new health facilities in his area, which will be a huge economic stimulus, assuming we can put the right fiscal framework in place, get the correct political support, and move on with it. While there are some negatives, there are also some positives. This constituency should recognize that he has represented that issue very well, and we are moving quickly to reach some resolve, so we can demonstrate to his constituency that we are moving forward in a positive vein to put new infrastructure into Inuvik, not take away from existing.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Housing. Following the Minister's statement yesterday in this House referring to the proposed Plan 2000, which would see approximately 2,000 NWT families provided with either new housing or improved housing. Subsequent to my questions regarding this issue, the Minister inferred yesterday that the program would start in the west this year, and not necessarily in the east. I would like some assurances from the Minister that he will do everything possible to see that this program is initiated this year for the eastern communities. Thank you.

Thank you. The Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated yesterday, we are moving immediately to implement Plan 2000. We are working on a list of interested and eligible clients. It does take some time to process these applications and to purchase materials, et cetera. What I said yesterday, it is clear that we will be able to move the material through the road system for the western Arctic this year. I have checked into it a bit further and there may be some opportunities in the Nunavut area to ship some of the materials this year.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I realize there are briefings forthcoming, but could the Minister briefly describe the criteria they will use to select the clients? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Member is asking about the eligibility criteria. It will be similar to the Down Payment Assistance program that we have now. The EDAP program, as it is called, requires clients to be 19 years of age or older. To be residents of the NWT for five years. They are required to have a mortgage approved by the bank or, clients unable to secure interim financing for a new home construction from banks, can apply for interim financing from the Housing Corporation. Clients with outstanding arrears with any local housing organization cannot qualify for the program. However, clients may be able to enter the program by rolling their arrears into their mortgage. Clients must use available northern manufactured products where possible. Clients must either build new or purchase existing units. Prebuilt or modular units are disallowed, but may be purchased as long as the unit has been occupied in the community for a minimum of a year.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicated that 2,000 families will be put into new homes, or improvements will be made to others. Can the Minister indicate how many of these homes will be newly constructed homes? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, the number of new homes will depend on the required assistance by the clients. Some clients require more assistance than others depending on their income. I would explain it this way. We are now spending $40 million a year on housing, which we hope will be relatively stable over the next few years. That translates to $120 million over three years. I have received estimates any where from an additional $200 to $250 million that would be financed through the banks for new homes, approximately any where between 1600 to 1800 homes, compared to about 900 which would have otherwise been available. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister confirm that the communities in most need will be targeted first? That would be communities with matchbox houses and NTRs. Also, if there will be an accountability mechanism in place to monitor the initiative? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, the Housing Corporation will base its allocations on relative need of the communities. We will ensure every constituency in every community will get its fair share. What I have done is made sure that we have a reporting process, where we document all the additional homes that are being built with this initiative. I put this in myself, to ensure that we get as close to the target as possible and the additions and changes we make are meaningful ones.

Oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question that I would like to direct to the Minister of FMBS, Mr. Todd. There were government units in Clyde River, seven staff housing-units. The development corporation had written to the Chairman of FMBS asking to take those units. I would like to know if he has responded to their request. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If my memory serves me correctly, we have responded positively to that development corporation which is owned by local people. In fact, arrangements are under way right now. I do not know if it is for all or some of those housing units, but certainly my position has been clear. Where the tenants do not want to purchase them, we are prepared to ensure that local community groups, co-operatives, and development corporations purchase these units. It will be done in such a manner that will protect staff housing for our staff in the future. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to Mr. Todd, the Minister of FMBS. I spoke today about frequent flyer points, and many provincial governments, as well as the Yukon and federal governments have directed us, stating that government employees are not to receive any frequent flyer points as a result of travel on government business. Other jurisdictions have developed methods of pooling points accumulated by employees, and then using those points for other government travel.

For example, the province of Saskatchewan, uses a system which allows points to be accumulated by employees within the department which can be transferred to other departments. It is estimated that we are using frequent flyer points representing a possible savings of between five and ten percent of air travel. My question to the Minister is; would the Minister consider adopting similar methods for pooling frequent flyer points for use in other government travel? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.

I am certainly glad Mr. Henry brought that issue up. We will certainly take a look at that suggestion he has brought forward and analyze what is going on in other constituencies, to see if there is any volume in doing it, and if it will be a net gain to this government. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will direct the Minister's attention, which will maybe help him in deciding the merits of this, to the Standing Committee on Finance a couple years back. I believe he will find some information which will support that position. I think he was a member of it at that time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. That was a comment. I did not hear any question. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we cut all the benefits and wages of our employees, and now we are going to take away the little bit of an incentive we have as to bonus points. I do not agree with that. Mr. Speaker, over the

past twelve months, culminating with the meeting in September with Mr. Todd and the Arctic College students in Iqaluit concerning their accommodations. I note now that the school year end is about three months away. We are going to be looking for more accommodations this fall. Can the Minister of the FMBS update this House on the status of the accommodations for students in Iqaluit and other Nunavut communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know I am working in conjunction with my colleague Mr. Dent, the Minister of Education. We have asked the colleges to submit a housing plan to the department by the end of March. We will then seek a submission both from Public Works, that have some of the money right now, and any additional monies that are required to the FMBs. We are hoping to conclude the submission and the over all plan to meet the housing needs of Arctic College students, particularly in Kitikmeot, Keewatin and the other areas by April or May. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the transfer of some programs to the Kitikmeot region from the Nunavut Arctic College depends on housing being made available for the students. I see that as a priority. In the Baffin region, we are using leased accommodations for a number of instances. We had some major problems there. Would the Minister be able to inform me that with this transfer coming forward, we are looking at enhancing and hopefully prolonging the duration of the leases in Iqaluit, Baffin and Nunavut students over the next x number of months, accommodating them before the division on April 1, 1999?

Mr. Todd.

First of all it has to qualify subject to the FMB submission. It is our intention to ensure there is adequate housing in the Baffin region, which is Iqaluit where the campus is, and in Kitikmeot. The mayor has pointed out to me, when we were in Cambridge Bay this weekend, that there is an urgent need there. It is our intent to move as quickly as we can to provide some stability to the Arctic colleges and the need for accommodation, particularly since there is an acceleration of the educational programs that are under way to meet the requirements for Nunavut in April 1, 1999. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

The Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I do not have the actual percentage in front of me, but there is a set amount of the grant we would give to these new home owners that must be used for northern manufactured. Throughout the process we will strongly encourage the new home owners to use northern manufacturers and to use northern suppliers.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, there will be two ways a client will be able to purchase materials for a house. One, they can go out on their own to get a plan and a design and purchase materials on their own. In which case we would insist, as a condition of the grant, that a portion of that be used

for northern manufacturers. The other way that they could get the materials is through the Housing Corporation packages we have on the shelf that are presently being used. There is already a built in system of using northern manufacturers in a high degree of use of materials from the north.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, that portion of my statement yesterday was pointed out to me also. I think an additional clarifier would have been in order. The clients that access homes through our programs must be able to one, pay for the power, the fuel, and all the operating costs of that house, plus a mortgage. In most cases the income levels start between $35,000 and $50,000 and upwards. Anything below that you would not be able to pay for the operation of the house plus a mortgage. Therefore, you would likely be in our low cost social housing.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Arlooktoo

Mr. Speaker, the Member brings up a good question. In fact, I think her numbers are not far off. The estimates that we have for a decent new house in Fort Resolution, which is near her constituency, would cost $143,000. In Cambridge Bay, that same house would cost $170,000. There is a recognition that there are different costs. Therefore, the payments that we will be using and the scale is a sliding scale which recognizes one, the income of the client and two, the cost of building or maintaining a home in that community.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is a recognition that alcohol abuse is a contributing factor to infant mortality. However, it is more of an issue in respect to prebirth and postbirth, in regards to the FAS/FAE issue of significant developmental delays in behaviour and learning patterns after birth as a result of alcohol abuse, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have any definitive costs in respect to individuals that are affected by FAS/FAE. I think it is recognized that there is a multiple affect throughout the system in having to care for an individual that has those types of problems from birth medically, through school in some of the learning disabilities that may develop and some of behaviour problems that may develop in some individuals right up to where it leads the individuals to become problems in respect to the justice system, and having a requirement in that area as well, Mr.

Speaker. There is not a clear cut costing. I would say individuals vary on the circumstances. What impacts some of the remedial steps that are taken to try to address the causes and try to correct some of those problems while they are growing up, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is one of the initiatives that the government is trying to do through the partners in the social envelope. Some of the early childhood intervention initiatives try to promote the awareness of this issue. We are continuing to work with FAS/FAE support groups throughout the Northwest Territories, to develop the promotional material and programming to try to raise the profile and deal with this issue, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Thank you. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated, for the longterm solution we have to get the awareness of it up, so that we can try to alleviate the possibilities or minimize the possibility of individuals coming into life with FAS or FAE. We have ongoing support programs that we continue to try to work on trying to address individuals that are currently affected with it. It would have to be from a two-pronged approach in trying to deal on a preventative side in starting to expand the awareness of the issue and in dealing with individuals that are already impacted with FAS/FAE, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.