Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am assuming the development of policies and programs will be based on an overall strategic plan for the department that is consistent with the mandate. I do not see, from what you have told me and what I see in this corporate management summary, how it is integrated. This is a department not of just

economic development, but of resources and wildlife. Where in this particular structure is the planning process pulled together, so you have a comprehensive strategic plan for the department that reflects all aspects of the mandate?

Environmental and wildlife issues cannot just be the subject of policies and programs handled by the line staff. There are some very fundamental issues we have talked about in this House relating to water use, overall planning for resource development and timber management. The whole issue of wildlife habitat and trapping, could you indicate to me how it is tied together, since it is not clear to me?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Gamble will respond to that question as well. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Then I would suggest that fourth paragraph, where you talk of strategic planning, is incomplete. This is a new department with a very important mandate that is supposed to balance the economy with the environment resource use, wildlife issues, things that are the heart and soul of this territory. There is not one mention of anything but an economic framework. I know that we need a strong economy without a doubt, but this department is supposed to be, as far as I can understand, promoting a balance. I have concerns. I have seen letters from Ecology North, for instance, where there are very strong concerns about the environment and resource issues are going to be sacrificed on the altar of economic expediency. I know that is not the intent. I know that is not the intent of this Assembly. My question is to the Minister or to Mr. Gamble. The strategic planning should be critical for the whole department, so why would you want an economic focus? There has to be some reference to the other two-thirds of your mandate if it is going be accurate and if it is going to provide comfort to those who are very concerned about what may happen in the new department, where there is a mix between the economy and the environment. Will there be a winner and will there be a loser as opposed to a fine balance? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Member has raised a good point and we can do some rewriting to reflect the point that is raised. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the Minister's commitment on this issue. I wonder if the Minister could elaborate a bit on that particular commitment? Having this rewritten is a very important first step. The question is of the mind set of the department. I know the Minister himself has stated his strong concern for the environment and related issues many times. Will this be more than just rewriting this particular piece of paper? Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, it is true we have an overall mandate vision statement, goals and objections that affect exactly what the Member is raising. I do not think it is a major rewrite. What I hear him suggesting is that we are speaking of strategic planning for the purposes of economic development initiatives too much and not enough mention, as there is no mention in that particular paragraph, regarding our commitment and dedication to maintaining the environmental standards and commitment to wildlife research that we have in the past. That is what I understand I am making a commitment to do. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Fifty-two layoffs to date, estimated $2 million cost. In regard to traditional knowledge, I think we can talk to some aboriginal groups about allowing for publication some aspects of traditional knowledge that could be used to give some definition in the minds of people who are unable to grasp what it is we are talking about. I would think it would be useful. You know the knowledge of people came to the fore, right from the very first time Europeans set foot on this continent. A lot of the information has since become irrelevant. Certainly in the history books, there is almost a total denial of any contribution of knowledge from aboriginal people to European society. In 1997, we are still trying to make some corrections to people's perspectives and attitudes. I am not certain we will ever be in a position to publish large volumes of this traditional knowledge, but we can look at helping people conceptualize what we are talking about when we are talking about traditional knowledge. I agree with the Member that there would be a very useful purpose to do something that would help in that area. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, our department has not rehired anyone who has chosen to leave us. If other departments have since hired these people, then I am not aware of them. The question should go to the Minister of Finance. Thank you.