Mr. Krutko, Members are not allowed in this Chamber to challenge the decision of the Chair. I must say that you do not have a point of order. Written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Mr. Speaker, Return to written question 4, asked by Mrs. Groenewegen to the Premier concerning ministerial travel reporting requirements.

1. Are Cabinet Ministers required to inform you of their itinerary and plans for meetings and social functions they will attend on ministerial travel outside of the Northwest Territories?

Ministers, from time to time, in order to carry out their responsibilities, have to travel in the Northwest Territories to other jurisdictions in Canada and to countries outside Canada.

In December 1998, guidelines were issued to Ministers by memorandum with respect to meetings with members of the federal cabinet. The memorandum states:

"All meetings with federal ministers will be coordinated through their respective territorial counterparts."

Following any federal-territorial meetings, Ministers will provide their Cabinet colleagues with a briefing on the outcomes.

Although there are no formal guidelines, travel during Session is treated differently than normal business travel. Ministers seek my approval and proposed travel is discussed in Cabinet to ensure that an absence will not unduly disrupt the business of the Legislature. I try to ensure that no more than two Ministers are away at the same time. If proposed travel can be fit into the Legislative schedule, I will then approve it.

The Ministerial Administrative Procedures Manual (Section 23) requires that:

"Ministers wishing to travel outside of Canada at government expense must seek the Premier's approval prior to departure."

With the exception of the above noted circumstances, Ministers may approve their own travel, therefore, have no requirement to inform me. It should be noted though, that as a matter of courtesy, Ministers keep Cabinet colleagues and myself informed of meetings and events that they attend.

2. What, if any, are the reporting requirements of the Ministers upon their return on the content and subjects of official government meetings and functions outside of the Northwest Territories?

Following any federal-territorial meeting, Ministers will provide their Cabinet colleagues with a briefing on the outcomes. In addition, Ministers usually report significant developments to the House.

3. If there is no formalized reporting requirements for ministerial meetings held outside the Northwest Territories, how does the Premier ascertain whether, in fact, the Minister arrived at the destination and attended all meetings and functions relevant to the trip?

Following any federal-territorial meeting, Ministers will provide their Cabinet colleagues with a briefing on the outcomes. In addition, Ministers usually report significant developments to the House.

4. Is alcohol an allowable item on an expense claim filed by a Cabinet Minister (either for personal consumption or for others whom the Cabinet Minister may entertain)?

The purchase of alcohol is not a reimbursable expense. The Financial Administration Manual (Directives 820-1 and 811) states:

"The cost of alcohol must not be included within the price of a meal, must be shown separately on a meal receipt and may not be included in a claim for reimbursement."

"Alcoholic beverages must not be charged to an appropriation. Alcohol purchased or consumed by a public officer must be paid for by others or at personal expense."

Claims to cover the cost of alcohol should be caught and rejected by the financial management system. If a claim inadvertently slipped through the system and was discovered at a later date, the claimant would be required to repay the amount reimbursed for alcohol.

Notwithstanding the above, Ministers are provided with an entertainment allowance. Directive 811, goes on to state that:

"This provision does not apply to entertainment allowances of senior public officers."

The existing policies and directives appear to provide adequate guidance to Cabinet Members while on government travel.

Thank you. Returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees under review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Tabling of documents. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled Territorial Formula Financing Agreement with the Government of the Northwest Territories, 1999/2000 to 2003/2004. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Tabling of documents.

In accordance with section 12(4) of the Electoral Boundaries Commission report, I wish to table the report of the Northwest Territories Electoral Boundaries Commission 1998.

In accordance with section 21 of the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act, I wish to table the Pension Administration Report for the Year Ended March 31, 1998, for the Retiring Allowances Act, and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act. Tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Notice of motion for first reading of bills. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have two notices of motions, if I may.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, November 6, 1998, I will move that Bill 11, An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, No. 2, be read for the first time. If I may, Mr. Speaker.

I give notice that on Friday November 6, 1998, I will move that Bill 13, Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 3, 1998-1999, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday November 6, 1998, I will move that Bill 12, Miscellaneous Status Amendment Act, 1998, No. 2, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters. Item 20, report of committee of the whole. Item 21, third reading of bills. Item 22, orders of the day, Mr. Clerk.

Mr. Speaker, there is a meeting of the Nunavut Caucus and the Western Caucus at 4:00 p.m. Meetings for tomorrow morning at 11:00 of the Ordinary Members' Caucus.

Orders of the day for Thursday, November 5, 1998:

1. Prayer

2. Ministers' Statements

3. Members' Statements

4. Returns to Oral Questions

5. Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

6. Oral Questions

7. Written Questions

8. Returns to Written Questions

9. Replies to Opening Address

10. Petitions

11. Reports of Standing and Special Committees

12. Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills

13. Tabling of Documents

14. Notices of Motion

15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills

16. Motions

17. First Reading of Bills

18. Second Reading of Bills

19. Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters

20. Report of Committee of the Whole

21. Third Reading of Bills

22. Orders of the Day

Thank you. This House stands adjourned to Thursday, November 5, 1998 at 1:30 p.m.

--ADJOURNMENT