Thank you, Mr. Rabesca. Good afternoon. I would like at this time to thank the Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark, for taking my place yesterday as I attended the funeral in Kakisa. His work has been very much appreciated.

--Applause

Speaker's Ruling

Before we proceed with the orders today, I would like to provide a ruling concerning the tabling of unsigned documents in the House. The chair has the responsibility to ensure compliance with the rules, practices and procedures as established by this, and previous Legislative Assemblies. As Speaker I have to ensure that items such as tabling of documents and petitions adhere to the rules and practices. In carrying out that responsibility Members will recall, yesterday the honourable Member from Hay River tabled a note that was passed to her in the House. This note was unsigned and undated.

Although this matter was not raised as a point of order at the time of tabling, the issue of the tabling of unsigned documents is one of concern to the Chair because it raises fundamental issues with respect to the verification and authentication of facts that may be contained therein. Members may be interested to note that this issue has been the subject of some debate in this House in the past.

With respect to this, I refer Members back to my ruling of March 27, 1995, in the term of the 12th Assembly concerning the tabling of an unsigned letter by the then, honourable Member from Thebacha. That ruling reviewed the rules and precedents concerning this matter and clearly established the requirements and limitations as to the content for petitions and tabled documents in our House. I quote from page 612 of the March 27, 1995 Hansard:

It is my ruling that it is not an acceptable practice to table unsigned letters in this House, so therefore, all letters tabled, whether it be by the government or by Ordinary Members, will have to be forthwith directed from a specific individual or organization, dated and signed.

This ruling was clear and concise with respect to this issue.

It is my ruling that the document tabled yesterday by the honourable Member from Hay River does not meet the requirement to be from a specific individual or organization, dated and signed. Therefore the document is ruled not to be in an acceptable format for tabling and should not have been tabled in this House. I have instructed the Clerk to remove this item from the tabled document list and to amend Hansard to reflect this change. Thank you.

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will be absent from the House for the remainder of the week to attend the Canadian Council Ministers of the Environment Meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you Mr. Morin. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a status report on health and social services in the Keewatin region.

In September, 1997, the Department of Health and Social Services conducted a review of changes proposed by the Keewatin Regional Health Board. This review was initiated in response to concerns from Members of this House and the public.

From last October until two weeks ago, the Department of Health and Social Services worked at arm's length with the staff of the Keewatin Regional Health Board to help the board staff implement recommendations of the September review.

Two weeks ago, as Members are aware, the board chair and the chief executive officer resigned. Mr. Percy Kabloona, who was serving the board as deputy chair, was immediately appointed acting chair. Mr. Kabloona promptly consulted with all of the board trustees. Following their consultation, the board requested support from the department to bring stability to board operations until such time as a permanent chair and CEO are in place.

Mr. Speaker, we are currently providing help in key areas to the existing board trustees and their staff in order to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of health and social services and thereby regain credibility with Keewatin residents.

The department is providing the following assistance to the board.

- Since January 19, a senior department official has been acting as CEO;

- Last week, our assistant deputy minister was in Rankin Inlet dealing with management and service delivery board staff about staffing issues in general and specifically about how to re-establish the full staff complement;

- The department's manager of human resources travelled to Rankin Inlet with our deputy minister in the middle of January to deal with staffing issues and to assist in establishing an effective action plan to recruit and retain professional and support staff for the Keewatin Regional Health Board;

- This week the department has sent several additional people over to Rankin Inlet to work with the board; for example,

- Staff from our financial and management services division are conducting some financial diagnostic analyses aimed at establishing a viable financial management plan;

- The department's nursing consultant travelled to Rankin Inlet this week to talk about professional practise and recruitment strategies;

- Staff are available in Rankin Inlet to assist in rationalizing contract administration for the Keewatin board;

- Finally, we have provided staff to ensure that administrative support systems for the board are working efficiently and effectively.

Mr. Speaker, the acting CEO and Mr. Kabloona have conducted a series of conference calls to the communities who fall within the purview of the Keewatin board. These calls focused on the primary health and social concerns of these communities.

Further, the acting CEO and chair are planning visits to communities to assess the status of health and social service delivery and to address concerns the communities have identified.

The action plan will include:

- First, re-establishing front-line staffing levels, particularly for social workers and nurses.

- Second, stabilizing general practitioner services for the region. As I speak, arrangements for discussions with the Northern Medical Unit are being finalized. These discussions will focus on

- the needs of Keewatin residents; and

- determining how the NMU could assist in this area.

- Third, reviewing and supporting administrative processes.

- Finally, recruiting a permanent CEO for the board.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to add that the interim CEO and board chair will work with a joint committee at the staff level with representatives from KIA and each hamlet to ensure that ongoing concerns are being addressed.

Further, for the time being the Department of Health and Social Services will take the lead in managing the Rankin Inlet and Arviat capital projects. I believe that it is critical that KRHB staff remains focused on ongoing community programs and services over the next several months.

Mr. Speaker, some of the most critical issues that the KRHB currently faces are shared with other boards. These include such issues as recruitment and retention of health and social service professionals, physicians, nurses and social workers. As I mentioned earlier this week, I will table a plan to deal with recruitment and retention across the territories by late February.

As Minister of Health and Social Services, I have the responsibility to ensure that adequate health and social services are provided to all residents of the Northwest Territories.

I have full confidence that the measures laid out today, once implemented in partnership with the board, hamlet council representatives, and the Keewatin Inuit Association will fully restore the stability, credibility and confidence needed to sustain the health and social service system in the Keewatin region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ng. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to day to speak about federal assistance to assist the territories, particularly the western NWT, which as we know is hurting with layoffs and mine closures and so on. Last Thursday, I spoke about this a bit. I am not talking about asking the federal government to set a precedent as they provide assistance all the time, and also the Member for Yellowknife Centre touched on it yesterday and actually gave the act under which this is done. Under the act, the federal government has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to the fishing industries on the east and west coast, to farmers on the prairies when there is drought, the floods in Manitoba and to help people when they had ice storms in Quebec and Ontario. We need similar relief for the miners who have lost their jobs and also for the mines to ensure that no more mines close. Of course, this will only be until the gold prices go up. Similarly, in the diamond industry, we need federal assistance. We know that 80 percent of the money spent on diamonds is spent after the diamonds are mined. I am talking about a secondary industry, like we want to establish here.

Mr. Speaker, I am talking about detailed sorting for market, cutting and polishing diamonds. We know that people will come here if there is a proper setting. The mines have also said that they will do more here if we can demonstrate that it makes economic sense. Of course, we are not only talking about taking federal money because the GNWT could and should help here too. For instance, we could train people and help move them to jobs, if we have to. Also, aboriginal claimant groups have claims money which they now invest mostly in the south because there is no investment opportunities here, but they do want to invest in the north. They just need the opportunities. For example, an aboriginal consortium of three aboriginal groups want to put up a sorting facility, and they would invest in other parts of the industry as well. Mr. Speaker, what I am talking about fits both sides of the federal Minister's portfolio because the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs is responsible for both aboriginal people and the north. Federal assistance would help aboriginal people realize their potential and would help us end the days of the north going cap-in-hand to the federal government for most of our money. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said federal assistance could help the aboriginal people to realize their potential and also help the north end its days of going cap-in-hand to the federal government for most of our money. In fact, it is possible that we may not need any federal money if things are done properly, particularly, if they transfer royalties and the responsibility for land and mining to the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause.

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

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

Qujannamiik (Translation) Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my appreciation and to recognize the teacher of Ataguttaaluk School in Igloolik who teach the little ones from kindergarten to grades one to six. There are 254 students, starting from kindergarten classes in the morning and again separately in the afternoon. These teachers work very hard including some of the instructors who are not fully qualified as teachers but do work in their capacity as teachers' aides. There are three classroom assistants as well. They also have three Inuktitut language instructors who teach full-time in the lower grades and as separate subjects by grade six. I will name these teachers, Mary Kunuk, Eunice Uyarak, Susan Tulugardjuk, Mary Ungalaq, Amilia Angiler, Kanguk Akitter, Louise Uyarak, Yvone Kayutak, Pat Qulaut, Joana Quassa and Jeela Padlug. Mr. Speaker, these very special teachers are Inuit and are all women. I would ask the Minister of Education to make arrangements to present a token of recognition for these women. I suggest that this be done by way of a certificate of appreciation for my constituents. I will ask the Minister for his response at the appropriate time. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken in this House many times about accountable, transparency and public money spent for the public good. Sometimes when you ask questions in this form, a nerve or two will be hit, yet every Member has the right to ask questions. That is the fundamental aspect of our parliamentary system. I have listened with great interest with questions raised and statements made about the pay equity issue. It would seem that almost a revisionist history of events has taken place. Firstly, pay equity is the question, simply, of equal pay for work of equal value as stated by Mr. Todd. It is nothing more or less. The GNWT was asked almost ten years ago now, to make good on this principle. However, that

Legislative Assembly and subsequent Assemblies including this one argued it in the courts. We continued to appeal until finally last year we were forced by the last court decision to sit down with the UNW and negotiate a settlement. Increasingly in this House we have heard that the hoped negotiated settlement will be affordable and consistent with our availability to pay the outstanding amount owed.

Mr. Speaker, the majority of staff and employees who are affected by this case are administration and clerical positions. Because of the GNWT's precarious financial situation the Finance Minister has been guarding his comments, like yesterday on this fact. Mr. Speaker, in a consensus type of government where the boundaries between Cabinet and the Ordinary Members are not well defined sometimes it is difficult to be critical without the feeling of being personal. I find that everyday, Mr. Speaker, but questions must be asked; questions must be raised and questions must be spoken or the government would be a sham. I did not come here to rubber stamp policies or proposals, nor do I support the government's line on pay equity. Hopefully, our government will not try in negotiations to hold the hammer of pay equity, and its cost with the wage and benefits negotiations with our employees. I do not know how much we have to pay. All I know is we have to pay the pay equity bill, that has dragged on for almost ten years. At the end of the day with the lack of available information, we can only hope that both sides, Mr. Speaker, both sides will do the right thing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the community of Kakisa put to rest a very loving and respected elder, Johnny Providence. Johnny Providence, who was also known as Uncle Ben, was born on February 22, 1916, in Meander River, Alberta, and passed away on January 21, 1998 in Edmonton. Johnny was the husband of Monique Simba Providence and the father of Andrew Providence. Many people from all over the north and some from Alberta came to Kakisa yesterday to pay their last respects to this kind and wise man. I understand that the hall where the service was held was filled to capacity. The hallways were also filled and some people had to stand outside as they came to say a final farewell to Johnny Providence. Mr. Speaker, the people of Kakisa should be commended for their efforts on this day and their help with the many people who travelled to this traditional community. A special thanks to Father Joseph Daley, who travelled from Fort Simpson, to conduct the service. We send our deepest and sincerest sympathies to Monique and Andrew Providence and to the people of Kakisa for the loss they have suffered. Mr. Speaker, Johnny was 81 years old at the time that he passed away. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Qujannamiik (Translation) Thank you, I will be speaking in Inuktitut. Mr. Speaker, after the meetings with federal Minister, Jane Stewart, at Iqaluit last month, several topics were discussed. As most Members of this House and the Nunavut public know, the federal government has to bring amendments to the Nunavut Act to the House of Commons in Ottawa. Mr. Speaker, there have been some concerns with the amendments and the reaction of federal MPs. By being proactive we could meet with them to discuss these issues and help with the passage of the amendments in the Commons and Senate. Some constituents and Nunavut residents have asked me about this, and I have discussed it with other Members and other Nunavut Caucus Members. All three parties want Nunavut to be a success and be discussed at the federal level in a positive light. Proactive lobbying could help take this place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

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

Thank you. Members' statements. Mrs. Thompson.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be speaking in Inuktitut. As for my constituents of Aivilik, I am very thankful today that the Minister of Health and Social Services has been dealing with these heavy issues within our region. He recently made a Minister's statement regarding the issues that he has been dealing with and I wish to thank the previous Keewatin Regional Health Board members who have worked so hard to keep the board going. Although there has been a lot of problems that have been discussed within the region, I know about the problems that have been raised on the local radio stations and newspapers. They seem to have been criticizing the Minister too heavily and it made the people of the Keewatin region look inadequate and I apologize for this situation. I just wanted to thank the Minister today and I welcome his statements this afternoon.

I also have been receiving similar calls regarding the incident in Rankin Inlet. I guess the hamlet council in Rankin Inlet was chaired by Louis Pilakapsi and Mr. Pilakapsi indicated that their agenda was made perfectly clear. He indicated that he did not want the Minister to step down, he just wanted to rectify the problems that were occurring within the region. Through the local radio, CBC Radio and newspaper; the people just wanted to bring out their concerns and problems. They were just talking about problems and not getting any solutions to the problems. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

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

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ootes.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in questioning the Minister of Transportation concerning a problem with the navigation aids in Iqaluit, the Minister said that navigation aids rest with NAV Canada, so I would like to follow up with some questions on this matter. Are the

navigation aids at Iqaluit airport the responsibility of NAV Canada? Thank you.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is their responsibility. The Department of Transportation contacted the NAV Canada regional office to ensure that repairs are made. Therefore, I understand that based on that it is the responsibility of NAV Canada to make sure that the navigational aids are operational and in good order. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what role does our government Department of Transportation have in responding to problems that navigational aids are redundant, broken or not working properly? Thank you.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the role of the Department of Transportation on this particular occasion in Iqaluit is that as soon as we are aware that this particular navigational aid was not working properly, we contacted NAV Canada to make sure that they were aware of the problem and that there would be a speedy solution to correct the problem. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is quite a bit of concern in my community with the airlines, with constituents. I have received more phone calls concerning the problems with the navigational system and the take off and landing approaches of airplanes. I wonder, will the Minister commit to again, reiterating our concerns with NAV Canada to try to get the work done as expediently as possible because yesterday NAV Canada indicated they cannot get at it for a week, two weeks or whatever. It has been going on for about two weeks. Soon it will be almost a month. So, I would ask the Minister will he expediently address this concern again with NAV Canada and have this problem rectified? Thank you.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department has been in contact with NAV Canada on Monday as well as again today to try to get them to repair and test this navigational aid. We were told today that the earliest that they will be able to do the testing, I understand that they have an aircraft that is equipped with this testing equipment that will be available as early as next week. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Speaker, further to my Member's statement earlier, I suggested that the Inuit teachers in my community be given a certificate of appreciation or a plaque of honourable mention for the work that they have been carrying out for a long time. Would the Minister consider making arrangements to have official recognition made publicly to the teachers of the Ataguttaaluk School in Igloolik for their dedication to their jobs as instructors of our children by presenting them with a token of appreciation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

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

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Prime Minister of Canada has Paul Martin as his Finance Minister, as lead Minister, on this whole issue of bank mergers between the Royal Bank and the Bank of Montreal. I have already instructed the Finance Minister, John Todd, to write to Paul Martin on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories to raise a concern for northerners on the concern that northerners do have with this proposed merger. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will request the Finance Minister to keep all Members of the Legislative Assembly regularly briefed on this issue as the issue develops. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

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

I will try to answer the question, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that the arrangement that was made meets all the guidelines as set by this government and the authorities designated to deputy ministers. In fact, upon reading the file there was significant savings to this government over the long-term with respect to the extension of this lease. Whatever took place in the process was in accordance with the rules, policies and regulations of this government.

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

Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, I said there was a set of rules and regulations and spending authorities that deputy ministers, superintendents, economic development officers, clerks and everybody else has in this government. There is no requirement, in this particular case, for the FMB approval. This was within the rules and regulations and spending authority of that particular deputy and as such, he acted accordingly, put into place a system that saved this government over the long-term money and we applaud him for it.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, the short answer, there was no breach of the Financial Administration Act. The reality is that there was an extension of an existing contractor, who was from the south. My understanding after that, some northerners purchased the building. There was no breach of any administration act that I am aware of. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is that Mr. Antoine, later on today will be tabling a full chronology of the events that led to this situation that Mr. Krutko is talking about. It may be prudent at this time for him to wait until such time as that is tabled and he will see clearly, the events that took place. I am fairly confident it will answer all the questions he has raised, either today or in the future. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the Member representing the community of Rae-Edzo? I would like to thank the community of Rae-Edzo for the tour they gave me and also the hospitality they showed me. The MLA of Rae-Edzo has been working very hard with my department. His executive assistant has been coming to my office to deal with this issue. I have directed my department to deal with the funding provision for the Rae-Edzo community. We are dealing with the Member's concerns from yesterday's statements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Ms. Thompson.

Yes. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Rabesca.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my honourable colleague for speaking on behalf of my community.

--Applause

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the same Minister regarding the same question that I had asked yesterday. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I gave a Member's statement regarding the frustration of myself and the community of Rae-Edzo for delay tactics that have taken place on the part of MACA over the lack of funding Rae-Edzo is experiencing. Mr. Speaker, today I went to direct my question to the honourable Minister of MACA, Ms. Thompson. It is my understanding that this morning the mayor of Rae-Edzo faxed a letter to you requesting the issue be dealt with and for you to reply prior to the Department of MACA's budget review during the committee of the whole. My question to the Minister is, have you received or reviewed this letter? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would to thank the Member for the cooperation we get from him. He is representing his community very well. He always lets us know what the matter is in his community.

--Applause

He is one of the few Members in this House that I truly like to work with.

--Applause

Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.

Qujannamiik. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question I would like to direct to the Minister of MACA. When she was visiting the community of Resolute Bay we were requesting an arena facility in our community. I would like an update as to what has been happening with this request? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

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

Qujannamiik. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This request was presented to me by the Member. He has worked with the community regarding the request. They were requesting a canvas type arena. My officials are looking into finding a place or a tent type of facility for the community. I have met with the people of Resolute Bay regarding this, a part of our plans that we have for the future. We are working with the community. If they would like more information and an update, they are most welcome to get hold of our officials in Iqaluit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.

Qujannamiik (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if, perhaps, the Minister of MACA could plan to have this done as soon as possible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Ms. Thompson.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The smaller communities are not able to get the larger facilities, so we try to look for ways to find a smaller facility. I will be working with my officials and I will be meeting with my staff as to how we could get this thing going. I will be doing that this week. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the proof of concept has been concluded and Ardicom is moving on, getting on with the job and trying to put the systems in place in accordance with the schedule we set with them. It would be fair to say there was a little bit of a delay and I believe, it was somewhere around six to eight weeks behind. I am fairly confident we can move forward aggressively and have most of the communities up and running by April 1, 1999. Thank you.

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

Mr. Todd.

I believe we already have that, Mr. Speaker. As the anchor tenant if you want, with respect to Ardicom's contract, I believe that has now been completed. I will double check with Mr. Voytilla later on today, but my understanding from discussions with NorthwesTel late last week and others is that we are well underway now. We are optimistic this territorial-wide, integrated digital communication system will bring about the benefits and rewards we are all expecting in the coming years. When my friends, plus the other side, send me hand signals indicating their support, of course, for this significant initiative, and I applaud them for it. Thank you.

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

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My understanding is there have been two meetings, I believe, one or two meetings with the Internet providers at the community level in an effort to try to find some integration of their services with this larger territorial-wide integrated digital communication system. In talking to Mr. Voytilla the other day, I understand there is another meeting coming forward in the coming weeks. Hopefully, at that time we will be able to bring some finality to this issue and try to address some of the concerns the smaller community-based operators are concerned about. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Todd.

I am not in a position to say that. All I know is, the position of this government is to put in a territorial-wide integrated digital communication system that is going to provide things like distance health, distance education and the state of the art communication system to each of those communities. I cannot say today whether they will compete or not. What I will say is, there is a determined effort made by my department and by the Ardicom group to find some room and some integration for the local based Internet providers. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister of Finance. It has to do with a CBC report I heard this morning. It was a report on discussions that took place in the House yesterday. I think the point the reporter was trying to make got lost and it has raised a bit of concern in my community. I would ask the Minister of Finance if he could add some clarity to it? It is regarding the number of positions that may transfer to Nunavut over the next year period. So, if the Minister of Finance would give some clarity as to what plans are in place right now and to the limited number of people that may go to Nunavut over the next year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well I think it is important, given the current environment within Yellowknife, which has been hardest hit as we all know not only with cuts from this government, but in terms of the current gold crisis, that when we make comments about who is leaving and who is not leaving, that we do it with a certain amount of care. The numbers quoted yesterday by Mr. Ootes perhaps, I suspect, were taken from our transition plan which has not been accepted to this date by the federal government or the Interim Commissioners' office.

We are currently analyzing the Interim Commissioner's office plan as we speak. This discussion is going on today. One, of course, of the key issues is the impact on jobs and when and how the jobs are going to be moved out of Yellowknife. As much as possible, once we come to a consensus as to what is going to be the staged development of the transfer of responsibilities, once we come to that agreement, we are going to sit down with the staff and work out with them, where is possible, the impact of the reductions to try to accommodate some of that through attrition, try to streamline some of the people who were already here who may not want to move to the new jobs into vacant existing jobs if they are here in Yellowknife.

So, there will be a series of things done in a caring and compassionate way but we are not in a position today to say this amount of jobs are going to go at this date because we have not come to a consensus yet on the staged fronts of responsibilities from this government to the new government. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From what the Minister pointed out, is it fair to assume that probably some government or some agency will have to provide administrative services to the Nunavut Government. He has indicated he does not know the number of people who will be transferred over. Is it safe to assume that a smaller amount of people would transfer to Nunavut in the next year that had previously been planned? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Todd.

Well, as I said, I am not trying to be evasive. I am just trying to be as accurate as I can. Again, I want to go back. To make statements about x amount of jobs that are going to go I think is inaccurate. We do not know at this stage of the game what the final conclusion will be as to the transition plan that all parties can agree to. We are still working as fast as we can on that. In some ways I wish we had it. We tabled a transition plan in October of 1997. I have not had a single response from any of the departments from any of the other parties. To say I am disappointed is the understatement of the year.

What we are now doing is analyzing the Interim Commissioner's report. We have got to reach consensus with all parties with what we think we can do over the next twelve months and what the jobs that will be necessary, the new jobs that will be necessary that were from Yellowknife over to the eastern Arctic. There will be some. There is no doubt about that. There will be, in my opinion for what it is worth, no sort of massive transfer of staff on April 1, 1999.

I am prepared, once we have concluded an agreement by the parties as to what is going to happen, who is going to go and when, to not only provide that to all Members of the House, we have the responsibility and an obligation to provide that to our staff. We are going to work with the staff to try to accommodate, where possible, the needs of those who do not wish to transfer to Nunavut with their jobs, through attrition and through other jobs and vacancies that may occur here in Yellowknife and elsewhere. There will be a considered effort to minimize the disruption to our staff. Thank you.