Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Don Morin will be absent from the House as required for the duration of this sitting to attend Conflict of Interest Inquiry.

Mr. Speaker, I also wish to advise Members that the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will be absent from the House for the remainder of this week to attend a meeting of the National Round Table on the Environment and Economy, on behalf of the Premier, in Ottawa. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Members are aware, the Formula Financing Agreement for the Northwest Territories was signed on October 23, 1998 in a colourful ceremony in the Great Hall of this Legislative Assembly. The agreement covers the period April 1, 1999 to March 31, 2004. On the same day, the Nunavut Formula Financing Agreement was signed in a similar ceremony in Iqaluit.

As Members know, the Honourable Paul Martin, federal Minister of Finance was on hand in both Iqaluit and Yellowknife to sign the Agreements on behalf of the federal government. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Martin for his support in concluding these agreements. Mr. Martin has shown a great willingness to listen to northern concerns and for this, Mr. Speaker, our government is very grateful.

Mr. Speaker, the signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in the evolution of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Mr. Speaker, the new arrangements will provide the Northwest Territories and Nunavut with the means to operate their governments in a climate of fiscal stability for the next five years.

Mr. Speaker, the signing of these agreements represent the conclusion of a great deal of effort and cooperation on behalf of all the parties involved: the GNWT, Finance Canada, DIAND, the Western Coalition, the Nunavut Interim Commissioner's Office, Nunavut Tunngavik. I would like to

thank all of the parties involved for all the hard work put forward into this process. Mr. Speaker, later today at the appropriate time, I will be tabling the NWT Formula Financing Agreement in this House. Thank you.

Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, no child should go hungry or be without proper clothes or other needs simply because he or she is caught in the middle of a family break-up. Every child deserves to receive proper parental support, including financial support. As the saying goes, Mr. Speaker, "it should not hurt to be a child." I rise today to speak on the topic of child support, and the enforcement of agreements and court ordered maintenance payments.

Once a parent has a court order or a written agreement requiring a payment of either child or spousal support, they can ask Maintenance Enforcement to collect and monitor the payments by completing a registration package and sending it to the Maintenance Enforcement Office. Last year, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Justice collected over $2.7 million dollars for people registered with the program.

While many people voluntarily make their payments through Maintenance Enforcement, some go to great lengths to avoid making payments. This saddens me because the only ones who suffer are the children when this happens.

If a person is not making voluntary payments, the Maintenance Enforcement Administrator has the discretion to take whatever steps she feels are reasonable to enforce the order. This includes seizing wages, assets, Employment Insurance payments and income tax refunds. In extreme cases, the administrator can go to court and ask that the individual be imprisoned for up to 90 days.

The workload in the Maintenance Enforcement Office continues to grow. We are in the process of installing systems that will make the office more efficient and easier to use. The Department of Justice is also using federal funds to increase awareness of maintenance obligations and enforcement across the territories. Part of this awareness campaign will be aimed at young people. It will inform them not only of their rights, but also of their obligations to support their children.

I will provide my colleagues with some promotional material that has been produced for general distribution, and some registration packages for the Maintenance Enforcement Program. Please feel free to distribute these to your constituents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent

Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Mr. Speaker, last spring, I advised this House that there was a real need for change in the area of community fire protection. Unfortunately, this has been confirmed once again by major losses of the school in Cambridge Bay and the swimming pool building in Fort Good Hope.

Mr. Speaker, our fire loss statistics continue to be three times the national average. These high rates jeopardize the availability of reasonable insurance coverage, not to mention the risk to human life.

In only two years, eight major fires have led to losses in excess of $23 million dollars. Since May of this year, three more fires have resulted in a further loss of approximately $10 million dollars in damages.

Mr. Speaker, it is more critical than ever that significant changes to the current fire protection system be introduced. In its 1999/2000 Business Plan, the Department of Municipal and the Community Affairs is planning a number of strategic changes to improve conditions. We are well aware that communities play a critical role. Community fire departments must have the resources to effectively respond to fires.

Mr. Speaker, to respond to this need, MACA is reviewing its municipal funding criteria to make sure communities can properly finance their fire departments. MACA is also reviewing its fire equipment standards. MACA's officials are working with the NWT Fire Chiefs Association to develop fire fighter training programs for community volunteers and professional fire fighters.

A workshop for Regional Assistant Fire Marshals and Community Fire Chiefs was held in Yellowknife on September 11-17, 1998. I am pleased to report that approximately 50 people from communities across the territories were able to participate in this training. Community fire protection has been strengthened through their participation. Mr. Speaker, since most fires can be prevented, we will continue to work with the Fire Chiefs' Association to develop public education strategies to reduce the number of fires.

I am pleased to report that in addition to our "Learn Not to Burn" Program, the Juvenile Fire Setters Intervention Program has also launched to work with youth who may start fires.

Mr. Speaker, effective programs to deal with troubled youth must be more than just a priority of this government. It must also be a priority for communities, parents and families.

When lives and property are at risk, it is everyone's responsibility to help find solutions. MACA will continue to work with community governments, the Department of Health and Social Services, the RCMP and the NWT Fire Chiefs Association to address this growing concern. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the many important issues facing northerners is the lack of knowledge about the justice system. This is an issue across Canada, and especially here, where many people do not have immediate access to the courts or a lawyer. This is particularly worrying when it affects the well being of children who are denied adequate support from one of their parents. Therefore, I am very pleased to announce that the Department of Justice is launching a new initiative aimed at making it easier for people to understand and access the legal system. This new initiative is being supported financially by the federal government.

Earlier this month, we opened a Family Law Information Office on the first floor of the Yellowknife Courthouse. This office will serve as the first point of contact for people coming into the courthouse looking for help; whether they are witnesses in a trial, a potential juror, want to file documents in court or just find out information on the justice system. In addition to helping people who come into the building, the department will produce material to explain legal procedures. This material will focus on child support. It will include television and newspaper ads, videos, pamphlets and material aimed at youth and children. The information office will also distribute material and information on the new Children's Law Act which came into force on November 1, 1998.

I should make it clear that the Information Office will not be providing legal advice. Its staff will give people general information to help them understand the legal process and what their rights are and what processes are used to enforce them. There is a toll free line to request material or information. This number is 1-888-298-7880. I will provide some material on child support for each of the Members to review or pass on to their constituents. This is an example of the information the office will provide. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure and opportunity of attending the Kitikmeot Leaders Forum from October 13 to October 15, in Cambridge Bay. I thank the Kitikmeot Leader's Forum for allowing me to participate fully in this forum. Mr. Speaker, many issues and concerns were discussed adopted and passed. I should say, Mr. Speaker, that there were about 20 resolutions passed in that meeting. One resolution that stands out in my mind is in regard to health, human resources recruitment and the retention plan in the NWT. Mr. Speaker, here are some of the more serious issues facing the NWT that were brought up at Kitikmeot Leader's Forum. One, inadequate staffing levels in some communities include Pelly Bay. The second, highest staff turnover rates. Number three, compensation and benefits that are no longer competitive. Number four, lack of training and development opportunities for staff. Number five, health board often having to rely on inexperienced staff et cetera. Mr. Speaker, there are many more concerns that were brought up at the Kitikmeot Leader's Forum, but this what I mentioned are few and Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will be asking

the Minister, will this government as a priority develop a training and retention plan designed for northerners in all health and social services professions. Thank you.

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Welcome back Members of the Legislative Assembly. One of the few remaining respected elder from Grise Fiord passed away on October 29, 1998 from cancer. Mr. Tookilkee Elijah Kigutaq was born in Cape Dorset on January 15, 1930. When Mr. Kigutaq got older he moved to Arctic Bay and was married to Martha Late Kigutaq and started a family. In 1996, when Gamalie Akeeagok's family was moving to Grise Fiord, Mr. Akeeagok asked Mr. Kigutaq's family to come with them to support their family in Grise Fiord. Mr. Kigutaq resided in Grise Fiord since then. Mr. Kigutaq worked for the Hamlet of Grise Fiord until he retired in 1997 after 26 years of service. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kigutaq was also involved with various organizations such as (translation ends) chairperson for the Housing Association and other organizations.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kigutaq taught me about my family tree and supported me to do my job during my visits to my constituency in Grise Fiord. Mr. Speaker, I share my thoughts and prayers to Mr. Kigutaq's family and people of Grise Fiord at this critical time of their loss of their respected elder in the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Good afternoon Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends) Community of Broughton Island, is a coastal community protected by a break-water on one side. However, the existing break-water does not protect all the homes on Broughton Island. The beach near the unprotected homes is eroding at an ever-increasing rate. One day, these same homes may be washed into the ocean. In the fall, their windows and outside walls are facing the ocean and are covered in thick sheets of ice from the ocean spray. Mr. Speaker, that is how close the ocean is to these threatened homes. There should be another break-water added to protect that side of the community or the homes should be removed back to safer ground. A break-water would be an ideal solution. Sooner or later, we may have to move these homes again. Mr. Speaker, I propose that the government do an immediate evaluation of the area. The sooner the government deals with this issue, the better. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak with and visit many of our health care professionals in Iqaluit. I also had a family member stay over night at the Baffin Regional Hospital. First-hand, Mr. Speaker, I have seen the effects of the severe shortage of nurses is having on our medical facilities. This is not unique to Iqaluit or the Baffin. Indeed, at the end of September, as Chairman of the Infrastructure Committee, when we met in Tuktoyaktuk, it was also a major issue there. In Iqaluit, the elective children's dental surgery had to be cancelled last week, and I understand that surgeries the Baffin hospital has that were set up to be performed will have to be carried out at a more expensive monetary and human cost in Ottawa because of the nursing shortage. Mr. Speaker, the chair of the Baffin Health Board stated that as a result of the nursing shortage, short-term actions had to be put in place which will result in reductions in current services offered.

Mr. Speaker, why is there a nursing shortage? Did we anticipate this coming? Could we have done something about this before it happened? The answer to all these questions, Mr. Speaker, is a resounding yes. The government saw this coming. We could have done something and yes, the problem is occurring in other jurisdictions. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, it is not cost-effective or conducive for a nurse to work in the Northwest Territories. There is no financial incentive to move north. Remember, Mr. Speaker, the last increase in pay for any of our public employees was during the 1992 round of negotiations. I remember that because I was a part of that team. At that time, the increase was roughly two percent per year. In 1995-1996, this government as part of the deficit reductions reduced all salaries by a little more than six percent and eliminated VTAs. Thus, a nurse or other medical professional, or for that matter civil servant, in realistic terms have suffered six years of reductions, roll backs and not keeping up with the CPI, the rate of inflation or rates of pay for other jurisdictions.

Simply put, Mr. Speaker, we are not competitive in the current marketplace. The current offer on the table for medical professionals, including nurses and CNAs, lab technicians, et cetera, does not address those inequities. Mr. Speaker, in the long-term, the key to keep, retain and attract medical and other professionals will be competitive salaries, housing and travel benefits. Mr. Speaker, we also have to develop and support and expand northern nursing programs. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

Thank you, the Member for Iqaluit is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Mr. Picco, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you colleagues. Mr. Speaker, we also have to develop, support and expand northern nursing programs and other professional training for northerners. The collapse of the Nunavut nursing

program was an embarrassment and the government's Department of Health and the new Nunavut government, should make it a priority to get that program up and running. Mr. Speaker, I make this statement because of personal knowledge of the health care situation in the Baffin, Iqaluit and the Northwest Territories. I do not make it lightly. I think that the work of our health care professionals, doctors, nurses, the CNAs, et cetera, is excellent. To try and say that the problem is a result of external pressures in marginalizing a serious issue that has taken several years of inactivity in salaries, benefits and decisions made by this government to get to where we are today. That is a fact. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Steen.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Several months ago this Legislature went through a difficult process of selecting three people for a job to prepare for the creation of two new territories. Finally, we arrived at the three best people suited for the Electoral Boundaries Commission for the western NWT. We gave these people the task of consulting with the people and using their accumulated knowledge and wisdom to tell us how many seats there should be in the west and where they should be. Mr. Speaker, the commission did their job, they travelled all over the western NWT, and heard submissions. In fact, I made a submission to this commission. I indicated that I thought there should be three more seats in the western NWT and that two of them should be in Yellowknife and that the Yellowknife North constituency should be the smallest constituency in the Yellowknife area. Unfortunately, the commission did not agree with me. They did not recommend three seats. They did, however, recommend two seats for Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the commission for doing a good job. I would also like to thank my colleagues in advance for seriously considering the commission's intriguing report and for finally putting into place the democratic principles of equitable representation. Thank you.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just briefly like to acknowledge and thank Minister Todd's staff for moving forward on the commitment to construct a $4.5 million health centre in my home community of Arviat. Mr. Speaker, the call for proposals was advertised in the last few weeks and the closing date is in December. Mr. Speaker, I should also add Mr. Ng's name in his efforts in this project. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Roads to Resources Initiative has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of people throughout the Northwest Territories. Of course, I share that enthusiasm. In particular, the construction of a road north through the mineral resource region is absolutely crucial to building a healthy and stable economic future for the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I can only imagine that some people are getting carried away in their enthusiasm. They are jumping ahead of the process.

This government has announced that it has budgeted $2 million to conduct engineering, economic and environmental studies on the roads to resources. Certainly, the concept of a road through the Slave province has been studied and re-studied over the years by many experts. Over the years the facts and I state, Mr. Speaker, the facts, have become clear that the most economical and feasible place to begin the road, if the road is going to serve its intended purpose, is to continue it on from the already constructed Ingraham Trail which runs east from Yellowknife. I am sure some of the $2 million allocated to further study will again carefully examine exactly where the starting point should be, which are no different than the road studies showing the road location between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk.

My question, is, Mr. Speaker, if the government has committed taxpayer dollars to studying this issue, why are not others willing to wait until the studies are completed and consider the facts? The Mayor of Hay River has called for the road to leave from Rae rather than Yellowknife. He is willing to spend taxpayers' money to lobby for the interests of one community in the territory over another when it is clear that there is no advantage to his community either way. I wonder what other motivation there could be for his position? Why is the Mayor of Hay River not also calling for the $2 million study to be cancelled? If the issue can be settled on the basis of politics, why are we carrying out engineering and economic studies. Surely, if you listen to the mayor then we may as well cancel the work. Apparently, there is no need to consider the facts. Mr. Speaker, I cannot support that approach, nor do I believe the people of the Northwest Territories will either. My research to date that I have conducted at least six studies have all indicated that the feasibility and logistical point of view Yellowknife should be the starting point of that highway. I am willing to wait for the current studies to bear that out. The late John Lennon said, Mr. Speaker, give peace a chance. I say, let us give the facts a chance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

The Member for Yellowknife Centre seeks unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? Mr. Ootes, you have unanimous consent and I will allow you to continue, but I also caution you that you do not go beyond the equivalent of two Member's statements.

I would also like to remind the Member that you have gone beyond two Member's statements. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ootes of September 22 and 25, on behalf of the Honourable Don Morin, on employee confidentiality agreements.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return an oral question asked by Mrs. Groenewegen in September 22, 1998, with respect to the Economic Strategy Initiatives.

The Economic Strategy Initiative which might more accurately be defined as an Investment North Initiative, the GNWT is taking the coordinated approach to addressing economic challenges and pursuing economic opportunities with the purpose of improving economic conditions in the NWT and achieving a better lifestyle for northerners.

The issue is not how many of the initiatives are tied to the strategy, pardon me, the issue is not how many of the initiatives that are tied to the strategy are directly dependant upon the strategy for funding. This, I believe, is what my colleague, the Member for Hay River is asking, with the implication that the cost of the strategy can only be justified if each of its components is dependant upon the strategy for funding.

The comprehensive strategy will demonstrate to the federal government why it is in their interest to support our desire for a new fiscal relationship. If, for example, we are successful through this strategy in increasing our access to the resource tax window, it is conservatively estimated that this has the capacity to increase revenues to the NWT by $20 to $30 million dollars on an annual basis. This single initiative alone has the capacity to provide an excellent return on the small, one-time investment of $390,000 for the strategy. It cannot be achieved without demonstrating how it is tied into the other efforts underway to improve our economic picture.

The issue is that we are taking an integrated approach combining existing and new initiatives in an attempt to demonstrate to the federal government that we have the ability to overcome sectoral thinking, to think and act holistically, and that we have the capacity to make programs more responsive to the needs of northerners. Many GNWT departments already have a variety of economic programs and new initiatives underway. An overall long-term economic development strategy will provide a way to improve coordination and identify gaps or needed shifts.

The strategy, when approved by the Cabinet, will aid us in discussions related to a number of issues including Formula Financing, taxation, regulation, infrastructure development, as well as other initiatives to stimulate the northern economy. It will give us the information we need to improve our services to residents of the NWT and information required to identify priorities and commitments needed to improve confidence in the NWT economy and encourage increased levels of investment.

If we are successful in this endeavour, the reward will be a redefined fiscal relationship with the federal government. This will place more responsibilities for our destiny in the hands of northerners and give us at this point, at least the best opportunity we have, to achieve the fiscal capacity required to continue to meet the demands of constituents in the coming years. Thank you.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have three returns to oral questions. Is it okay if I give all three of them?

Yes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have first a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Barnabas on September 22nd, with regard to a renovation contract to a southern firm.

An invitational tender was used for the flooring and base replacement project on the RWED building in Arctic Bay. Seven northern contractors were asked to submit bids. One other northern contractor heard about the project and picked up tender documents. Three contractors submitted bids. They included a firm from Arctic Bay, one from Resolute Bay, one from Iqaluit. The two lowest bids were within a few thousand dollars of each other and the difference remained after this Business Incentive Policy was applied.

The contract was awarded to a northern contractor from Iqaluit at the tender price of $34,400.

Mr. Speaker, my second return to an oral question asked by Mr. Krutko on September 22, 1998, compensation for unsuccessful contract bidders.

There is no standard time period after a tender closing during which contractors have the opportunity to negotiate on a reduced scope in price before the tender is cancelled.

This question is answered in the document Construction Tendered Contract, Instructions to Tenderers, Item 19. It says, Mr. Speaker,

19.2 The submission of the lowest or any tender will not necessarily result in the award of a contract. The owner reserves the right to cancel this tender in whole or in part at any time and to retender the same for any reasons whatsoever without incurring any liability and no bidder will have any claim against owner as a consequence.

In situations where bid prices exceed the available budget, Public Works and Services will try to negotiate with the lower bidder in order to reduce the scope and the price. This is done within the time limits of the project at hand.

If negotiations with the low bidder are not successful within a reasonable time and if time is critical to the delivery of materials or completing the work, the original tender will be cancelled and a reduced scope of work re-tendered.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, return to oral question asked by Mr. O'Brien on September 25, 1998, in regard to Baker Lake bridge installations.

On Friday, September 25, 1998, the Member for Kivallivik directed a question to the Premier inquiring when the Department of Transportation would complete the installation of a Prince River Bridge north of Baker Lake.

I am pleased to report that since the Member asked his question, the Hamlet of Baker Lake completed work on the 13 kilometre access road to the Prince River and the Department of Transportation was able to install a 48-metre bridge over the Prince River.

The new Prince River Bridge was officially opened to traffic on October 25, 1998.

--Applause

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two returns to oral questions. One asked by Mr. Enuaraq on September 24, 1998, accumulated deficit Clyde River.

Officials from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs have reviewed the situation that led to the current accumulated deficit in Clyde River. In order to assist the community to address this situation, the department will hire a contractor to prepare a formal Deficit Recovery Plan. The recovery plan will help the hamlet eliminate its deficit.

The contractor will also investigate the hamlet's concerns about the impact that funding and expenditure levels are having on the hamlet's financial position.

I have another return asked by Mr. Krutko on September 25, 1998, water quality in Mackenzie Delta.

Up to, and including 1996, in Aklavik, water quality during spring runoff was a concern due to the cloudy condition of the treated water. However, changes made since then, have increased plant efficiency and the plant now provides drinking water that meets water quality guidelines. Despite the upgrade to the water treatment plant and the regular monitoring of the water, concern still exists with the age, condition, and capacity of the plant. In response to these concerns, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is hiring an engineering consultant to assess the existing treatment plant and outline the need for replacement or further upgrading.

In Fort McPherson, the department has been working with the community's water planning committee to identify a new water source. Over the last twelve months, we have been monitoring water quality in the community with the specific goal of identifying a suitable and acceptable water source. On October 20, 1998, MACA and the Department of Public Works and Services attended a joint meeting of the hamlet and band councils in Fort McPherson to discuss a new water source. As a result of information and monitoring data that they have received, the council agreed to accept the Peel River as the community's year-round water source. A meeting is being planned for the middle of November with the hamlet and the band to discuss the P3 process and how it might be applied to this water supply project. Thank you.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have an return to oral question from Mr. Henry on September 22, 1998.

Certain types of GNWT payments are currently paid through an electronic system for direct deposit to northern business bank accounts. These types of payments are generally linked to schedules within agreements such as commercial leases or contribution agreements. Unfortunately, this payment system requires a considerable amount of manual intervention and could not be used for large volumes as would be the case for GNWT trade payables.

Currently, trade payables are processed through the Financial Information System and cheques are produced in six regions. The current software applies a payment term of 20 days for northern businesses approved under the Business Incentive Policy and 30 days for all other vendors.

The software development necessary to go to electronic deposits would require additional money and additional trained staff to undertake the required planning, programming, software testing and user training in the current year. As significant programming and system file structure changes will be needed, it is unlikely that reprogramming would be completed by March 31, 1999.

I agree, a direct deposit method would be beneficial to northern businesses and to the government. Therefore, I have directed my officials to do a cost study next fiscal year of what programming and file structure changes would be required to our current system and what banking arrangement fees would be involved in order to go to direct electronic deposit of trades payable accounts. Additional funding may then be sought at that time if necessary. It would be most appropriate were this system of electronic direct deposits available to greet the new millennium in the year 2000. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. I would like to remind the Ministers that if they wish to do more than one return that they request it, so that it is in Hansard as two separate items as opposed to Ms. Thompson doing it without the request, as it will come out as one long return as opposed to separate items. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would

like to recognize a newcomer to Yellowknife, Peter Skinner is a program manager for CBC working out of Yellowknife. I would also like to recognize Ian Hanna, and his son, Eric. Ian works for CBC and if you recall, his son was also a page in the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, the people of Arviat and Baker Lake have suffered long enough without the services of a professional dentist. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, can he abate this House as to the present status of dental services in Arviat and Baker Lake? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding, Mr. Speaker, that there are dentists now in Rankin, Baker Lake and Arviat and in addition to that, as of November 2, Monday of this week, there were also dental therapists located in Baker Lake and Arviat as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what was the date of the arrival of these dentists in the community of Arviat and Baker Lake?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have the actual date of when they arrived there. My briefing note advises me that they are there now. If he wants that specific information, certainly, I would be willing to find it and advise him. Thank you.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what criteria is used when selecting the various dentists who will be employed throughout the Keewatin?

Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker, I did not catch the end of the question. I caught the selection, but I am not sure if he is referring to the dentists or the dental therapists. Thank you. Could he clarify that?

Third supplementary. Clarification.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am referring to the dentists and to elaborate on my question, as far as the qualifications, what criteria is used, number of years of experience, and so on, when hiring these dentists for the Keewatin communities?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The services for the dentists are provided by a contractor, Nunavut Dental Services out of Iqaluit, and in order for a dentist to be accredited to have the qualifications to operate, they have to pass the national examination and be registered as a licensed dentist in order to provide services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in reference to the dentist for Arviat and Baker Lake, can the Minister tell me where this dentist will be headquartered at? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The intent is that they will be in Baker Lake and in Arviat and provide services based from those communities to other communities within the Keewatin region in addition to the dentist that is based in Rankin Inlet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Health and they refer back to my earlier Member's statement. Mr. Speaker, the current offer on the table by this government for our medical professionals, I wonder, has the Department of Health reviewed the package, the rates on the table for our medical professionals to actually see if they are, in fact, equal to or better than southern industry norms? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the honourable Member knows, the Department of Health and Social Services is not responsible for the collective agreement process which falls under the Financial Management Board Secretariat. In respect to the pay equity issue, and how the rates of pay came about, there was input from all departments with respect to the roles and responsibilities of staff as they developed the pay equity scheme with Hay and Associates. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not asking about pay equity. The Minister knows I am not asking about pay equity. The Minister said the FMB, and he is on the FMB, which consists of all Cabinet Ministers. My question to the Minister was, the rates of pay that are there for nurses and other medical professionals. The Minister was on the radio last week talking about the problems we have retaining nurses and so on, and so forth, and other medical professionals. I am asking him, if indeed, his Department of Health and the FMB, of which he is a Member of, actually had input on the wages that are being offered to our nurses to hopefully retain them? That is my question. It has nothing to do with pay equity. Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker. First of all, I said it was the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the staff within the government that looks after the collective agreement, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Finance.

With respect to the collective agreements and the bargaining process, we do not have input into that directly. That is under the Financial Management Board Secretariat. That is the point I was trying to get across to the honourable Member, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand the process for collective bargaining. I am asking, and maybe I will make it more clear, Mr. Speaker, maybe if the Department of Health says, look, we have a problem here with doctors and nurses in retaining these people. We have a problem retaining because our wages are not equal to southern norms. Would Mr. Ng then say to the FMBS, to Minister Todd and say, can you put something in a package so we can retain these people, instead of going back and saying it is the health board's problem? The health board cannot do anything with the collective agreement. That is the government. I am asking him, did he or his department have any input into the package that was presented to our employees? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we do have some input into that whole process. My honourable colleagues on the Financial Management Board are certainly aware of some of the difficulties, particularly in the area of recruitment and retention of health care professionals, which has become more and more apparent. In fact, there is some effort being made right now in trying to resolve part of that issue outside of the pay and benefits aspect of supporting our professionals, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, could the Minister elaborate on what he is doing or what the government is doing outside of this pay and benefit thing we are trying to do for people, instead of leaving us out in the dark? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the honourable Member may recall, there was a Recruitment and Retention Plan tabled in this House in February that outlined specific supports for our health care professionals. What we are doing now, Mr. Speaker, is attaching, going forward with the submission for some financial support to implement some of those aspects of that Recruitment and Retention Plan to support our health care professionals, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Oral questions. Again, I must remind the Members that you have a preamble, then your question and three supplementaries. I keep hearing Members repeating their preambles. I will cut off the persons that continue to do that and request they ask their supplementary questions. Mr. Ootes.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I would like to clarify it is not a Yellowknife Youth Treatment Centre. It is a Territorial Youth Treatment Centre that happens to be based here with Northern Addiction Services.

--Applause

Mr. Speaker, the plan is a mutual agreement with the Northern Addiction Services Board to have them shut down on December 31 of this year, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the plan would be to, on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the needs of an individual, to facilitate having them go out for treatment as required. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the plan is to do an overall review of all treatment services for youth between now and December 31, and to go out for a proposal call based on that review of what the needs would be. This would go out for proposal call in January, sometime early in 1999, in order that a contractor could be available to provide the services by April 1, 1999, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker, no, not at this time. As I indicated, the agreement is to shut down on December 31st, and to continue to provide services for youth that require it on a case-by-case basis with the intent of having a fully integrated and holistic program, hopefully available by April 1, 1999. Thank you.