Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Before we proceed with the orders of the day, I wish to inform the House that I have received three communications dated December 2, 1998, which are in accordance with section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act from the Interim Commissioner of Nunavut. I would like to read the following letters received.

Dear Mr. Speaker:

Re: Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act, No. 2

The formal creation of Nunavut is now less than four months away. As we continue our preparation for this historic event, it is necessary to amend certain statutes duplicated for Nunavut to render those statutes appropriate for Nunavut. This bill amends several statutes that will be duplicated for Nunavut as they relate to a number of key professional associates. As required by section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of the bill entitled Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act, No. 2, during the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Yours sincerely, Jack Anawak, Interim Commissioner.

The second letter is addressed;

Dear Mr. Speaker:

Re: Nunavut Legal Registries Statutes Amendment Act

The formal creation of Nunavut is now less than four months away. As we continue our preparation for this historic event, it is necessary to amend certain statutes duplicated for Nunavut to render those statutes appropriate for Nunavut. This bill provides a mechanism for the registration of corporations, associations, partnerships and societies in Nunavut.

As required by section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of the bill entitled, Nunavut Legal Registries Statutes Amendment Act, during the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Yours sincerely, Jack Anawak, Interim Commissioner of Nunavut.

The third letter is addressed;

Dear Mr. Speaker:

Re: Nunavut Workers' Compensation Statutes Amendment Act

The formal creation of Nunavut is now less than four months away. As we continue our preparation for this historic event, it is necessary to amend certain statutes duplicated for Nunavut to render those statutes appropriate for Nunavut. This bill reflects the wishes of all parties to maintain the essential support for all workers in Nunavut provided by the Workers' Compensation Board.

As required by section 76.05 of the Nunavut Act, it is with pleasure that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories the passage of the bill entitled, Nunavut Workers' Compensation Statutes Amendment Act, during the Sixth Session of the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Yours sincerely, Jack Anawak, Interim Commissioner of Nunavut.

Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On November 30, 1998, residents of Quebec elected a majority Parti Quebecois government. The election was of particular interest to all Canadians because Premier Bouchard hoped that an overwhelming majority would be one of the "winning conditions" he needed to prepare Quebec for another secession referendum. While the Parti Quebecois won 75 seats compared to 48 for the Liberals and one for the "Action Democratique" Party, it is important to note that Premier Bouchard only received about 43 percent of the popular vote. The Liberals had about 44 percent with the ADQ at 12 percent.

These results are very significant for the following reasons. First, they clearly demonstrate that Premier Bouchard and his government have not received an overwhelming vote of support from Quebec residents for their sovereignty project. Rather, Quebec voters have demonstrated that they do not want another referendum and that they expect the Premier to improve the Quebec economy and its health care system; to reduce taxes, the deficit and the debt; to deal with unemployment and poverty; and to work with the federal, provincial and territorial governments for the benefit of Quebec and all of Canada. Second, for those who have followed the Quebec election, it appeared right up until polling day that Quebec Liberal Leader Charest would go down to a humiliating defeat.

Mr. Charest, who consistently campaigned against another referendum and for Quebec within a united Canada, proved the pollsters wrong. The results of the election demonstrate that Mr. Charest and his party are strong and will be a credible opposition in the Quebec Legislature. Third, assuming that Premier Bouchard respects the will of the Quebec electorate and does not hold another referendum, there will be continuity and stability in the relations between Nunavut and Quebec.

Quebec firms do a lot of business in Nunavut. Many Quebec residents are now living in Nunavut. Nunavut has and will continue to purchase many services from Quebec. Resupply by ships for many Nunavut communities originates in Quebec. We have intergovernmental agreements for management of wildlife which migrate over provincial/territorial borders. Quebec is the homeland of Nunavik Inuit who are related to or have close ties with Nunavut Inuit. Stability makes a lot of sense for both Nunavut and Quebec.

Finally, the election results are good for Canada because governments, the private sector and all Canadians will now be able to focus on pressing regional and national priorities without the threat of another referendum. Reducing taxes, government deficits and debts, creating jobs and business opportunities, advancing the aboriginal agenda and generally improving the standard of living for all Canadians are the priorities of this country, not another referendum.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to stress the importance of current negotiations on the social union, an issue which received a high profile in the Quebec election campaign. The government of Quebec, and all governments participating in these negotiations, are placing a lot of emphasis on successfully concluding these negotiations. While the primary objective of new social union arrangements is to provide for more effective and efficient delivery of social programs to all Canadians, a federal/provincial/territorial consensus will also demonstrate that the Canadian Federation is strong and flexible enough to accommodate the interest and circumstances of all Canadian jurisdictions, including Quebec.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure I speak for all Members and all Northwest Territories residents when I say that we are looking forward to four years without the threat of another secession referendum. Under these circumstances, Quebecers and all Canadians will prosper. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today in most jurisdictions across Canada, Minsters responsible for the Status of Women will be presenting the Iqaluit Declaration which is a document that affirms our commitment to stop violence against women. Mr. Speaker, on December 6th, across the country we mark the national day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day in 1989, 14 young women were murdered because they were women. As we reflect on this terrible loss, we must never forget that many women continue to live and die in the shadow of violence.

Violence against women has devastating consequences in many women's lives and significant and economic repercussions for society as a whole. Every day women are intimidated, harassed, stalked, assaulted and abused, often at the hands of an intimate partner. As a society, we cannot and must not tolerate this violence. We must recognize and address the root causes of violence against women and the underlying issues of power and control. The Ministers responsible for the Status of Women share a vision of safe healthy communities where women are not exposed to violence or the threat of violence. Our vision is based on the full equality of women and men. We stress the importance of culturally appropriate and community-based solutions that take into account linguistic, cultural and geographic diversity, that respect aboriginal values and culture, and that reflect the particular needs of vulnerable groups.

Mr. Speaker, to achieve this vision, all of society must take responsibility. The elimination of violence is a long term goal which can only be realized through lasting change in societal values and attitudes. Governments cannot achieve this goal alone. Individuals, service providers, voluntary and professional organizations, the broader public and corporate sectors all have a role to play. It is important that men, as well as women, participate in finding solutions. Sustained action is required, combined with innovative, creative approaches. It is particularly important that programs and services be flexible in their design and delivery in order to be accessible and effective. In this comprehensive effort, strong coordination across all sectors is essential, first and foremost to provide safety, as well as to deal with perpetrators, and to prevent violence before it happens.

Mr. Speaker, our work to end violence against women is guided by the following principles:

*Living free of violence is a right, not a privilege.

*Violence against women is a crime and should never be considered a private matter. Crimes of violence must be dealt with accordingly.

*Safety for victims and survivors must come first.

In order to eliminate violence against women, equality and healthy relationships among boys and girls must be promoted from an early age.

Mr. Speaker, our approach is built on three key strategies; a long term focus on public education and awareness to change attitudes and behaviour; accessible and responsive services to provide safety and support to victims and prevent re-victimization; and effective justice programs to hold perpetrators accountable and provide treatment programs for abusive men.

On many fronts, our governments have shown their determination to end violence against women. Through our policies and initiatives across the country, and our leadership at the international level in ratifying United Nations conventions and supporting UN action plans, we have clearly articulated the unacceptable and intolerable nature of this violence.

Mr. Speaker, much has been done to address violence against women. We will continue to build on the expertise of women's groups and other community partners and together, we will work to improve the effectiveness of our efforts through ongoing partnerships, consultation, evaluation and research. As federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, we reaffirm our determination to stop violence against women. This is a top priority for our governments. Our commitment will be realized through the actions of each jurisdiction. Together these actions will enable us to meet the challenges and achieve our goals. We owe it to all women who may be affected by violence, now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, December 6, 1998, there will be a vigil in the Great Hall of the Legislature commemorating the Montreal Massacre that killed 14 innocent women. I welcome all Members of this House to attend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly. This afternoon I would like to announce the award of a contract that begins the reconstruction of Highway 3 between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife.

--Applause

The contract was awarded on Friday, November 27th, to a project team of Nishi-Khon/SNC-Lavalin, Pelly Construction Ltd. and Arny's Construction Ltd. The contract is worth $8.725 million. It will see the reconstruction and paving of 12.5 kilometres of Highway 3 between Frank Channel and the Stagg River.

I am particularly excited about this contract because it is the first design/build contract the Department of Transportation has awarded. Under this approach, the competing teams submit their bids for both the project design and its physical completion. The design/build approach encourages innovation by giving the contractors much greater latitude in preparing competing proposals. The process draws on the ingenuity of the successful contracting team to develop the most cost-effective design around the most efficient technical means of completing it. The public should be the big beneficiary from this contracting approach. I expect the department will be using this approach more often in the future.

The other exciting aspect of this award was the training and employment requirements contained in the tender specification. The successful bid had to include a commitment and a plan to hire 90 percent of the work force in the north and 50 percent from the community of Rae-Edzo. These are the most demanding employment criteria the department has ever required. The contracting team has committed to meeting the requirements with the cooperation of Aurora College and the NWT Construction Association in the training component. The employment benefits from this contract will stay in the north and give a large boost in employment opportunities for workers in Rae-Edzo.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased with the award of this contract to Nishi-Khon/SNC Lavalin, Pelly Construction and Arny's Construction group. The last leg of the Highway 3 reconstruction is underway. The Department of Transportation has successfully applied an innovative contracting approach and we have set a new benchmark in achieving local employment benefits. In every way, we are getting the best results from our northern contracting dollars. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is the International Day of Disabled Persons. This day provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the special challenges facing people who have disabilities. Disabilities can be physical or intellectual. Whatever challenges they face, we must remember to recognize each individual's value as a person and as a contributing member of our community. The Department of Health and Social Services, the Government of the Northwest Territories and the people of the north would like to extend their support for all persons with disabilities in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, we must work to draw all northerners closer together, not only in the workplace, but also in our community and family activities. Individuals with disabilities should be integrated into the mainstream of community life. They have much to offer and, with appropriate supports, are productive members of our communities. I urge each of you to think about what you or your community can do to help integrate persons with disabilities more fully into your community. I would also like to recognize and commend all the work that is done by non-profit agencies and the many volunteers who advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities. It is up to us to assist those agencies and families in finding ways for people with disabilities to continue to lead satisfying lives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is an outstanding issue regarding the construction of a gymnasium in Pelly Bay. Mr. Speaker, we are all aware of the dynamic growth in population in communities such as Pelly Bay, NWT. This justified the need for a new facility such as the gymnasium. Mr. Speaker, the plan to build a gymnasium has already been deferred several times and the community cannot afford to lose the commitment funding it presently has.

Mr. Speaker, the letter I received from the Hamlet of Pelly Bay dated October 22, 1996, indicated by the way of a resolution provided to me that the Hamlet of Pelly Bay will resume the original intent of funding, that being the construction of a community hall. Thus, elimination of a gymnasium facility from the community, Mr. Speaker. Will the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, my next-door neighbour, direct his senior staff to communicate or meet, Mr. Speaker, with the representative of the Hamlet of Pelly Bay to finalize the outstanding issue that might be needed to resolve once and for all? Thank you.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca

Mr. Speaker, today is the day many of us in Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife have waited for, for many years. As we heard earlier from the Minister of Transportation, today is the signing of the contract to start construction on Highway 3 from the Frank Channel bridge to Stagg River. This project is the start of the reconstruction of one of the worst sections of highway we have in the Northwest Territories. Although this project is slated as a many year project, we are starting and that is the main thing. I would also like to add more good news, this project will also be done by two local Rae-Edzo companies, Nishi-Khon/SNC Lavalin, and Arny's Construction in partnership with Pelly Construction. As one can imagine, not only will these two local companies benefit, but there will be spinoff benefits to a number of local companies in Rae-Edzo.

This project will also provide a number of jobs and training opportunities for Rae-Edzo. These include drilling and blasting, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers and surveying, supervisory training, as well as other important jobs. This is very important for my community, we are currently experiencing a 43 percent unemployment rate. I look forward to seeing my residents working on this important project and developing positive working skills that will assist them for the future. I would like to congratulate these three companies for their successful bid to improve Highway 3 and bringing badly needed employment to my community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge the heroism of three people from Pangnirtung. In particular, a Mr. Timiusie Evic. Mr. Evic saw Andrew Dialla struggling in the surf off the beach in Pangnirtung. Seeing that Mr. Dialla would be unsuccessful in safely returning to shore, Mr. Evic dove into the surf to save him. Mr. Evic saved Andrew Dialla from drowning and certainly from a potential case of hypothermia. Mr. Peter Kilabuk and Mr. Tim Dialla, all of Pangnirtung, further assisted Mr. Evic and Mr. Dialla onto shore. Mr. Evic and Mr. Dialla, Peter Kilabuk and Mr. Tim Dialla had assisted them further.

Also, the RCMP provided transportation from the shore to the nursing station on a medevac basis. Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge all those involved in the rescue of Andrew Dialla. (Translation ends) I recommend Mr. Tim Evic, Mr. Peter Kilabuk and Mr. Tim Dialla for a Commissioner's award. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to express my concern about the loss of confidence in this government by a number of people in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, with the release of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner's Report, I believe, it is fair to say that many northerners do not believe that this government is holding true to their professed ideals of providing fair and transparent government. Like it or not, Mr. Speaker, I believe that we as a government have to take serious steps to reinstill public confidence in the workings of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The first step in that reinstilling confidence came with the then Premier Morin resigning. The second step in regaining that confidence came when the Deputy Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo, announced a committee of senior government officials to review the committee's report of Conflict of Interest Commissioner's Report and report back to this House. We have to do more to regain the trust of the people, Mr. Speaker. Many northerners have had serious reservations about the process used to negotiate sole-source contracts and the awarding of contracts using requests for proposals. The process must, and I emphasize must, Mr. Speaker, be seen to be transparent to the average northerner.

Mr. Speaker, until such time as this government can develop comprehensive guidelines for the departments to follow in the awarding of sole-source contracts and on contracts awarded following requests for proposals, I believe that a moratorium must be placed on the awarding of these contracts and it be followed until standard rules of open contract law are developed. Northerners believe, Mr. Speaker, that there is too much interference at the political level in the awarding of these sole-source and request for proposal contracts. Even though no laws or government policies may have been broken, in awarding these contracts, this government has to answer to the higher court of public perception.

The review and development of standardized guidelines is the first step in regaining respect of northerners for the working of this government. Mr. Speaker, a moratorium on negotiated and sole-sourced and requests for proposal contracts, until such time as definite policies on criteria and eligibility are developed is necessary to instill public confidence in the Government of the Northwest Territories. Later today, I will be directing questions to the Deputy Premier in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past number of months, this government has spent approximately $1 million on a conflict of interest inquiry. Approximately 20,000 pages of information and evidence was compiled and approximately 50 witnesses were subpoenaed to testify.

Mr. Speaker, in this House, we have a parliamentary privilege and that is to ask or seek consent to extend question period, so as to further explore and question critical issues in this House that are of great interest to the general public. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I requested such an extension, but unfortunately was nayed by the Acting Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo. This, Mr. Speaker, in itself suggests to me that the honourable Members across the floor have learned little or nothing from the results of this conflict of interest inquiry. Thank you.

--Applause

Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak about several Christmas events that will be happening at the Legislative Assembly in the coming days. Today at 4:30 p.m., the Annual Lights On at the Legislature ceremony will be held in the Great Hall. Kindergarten children are expected to attend and watch as the lights are turned on and Santa will visit. Kindergarten children from schools in Yellowknife and N'dilo have decorated one tree each in the Great Hall and the large tree was decorated with ornaments made by students from schools throughout the Northwest Territories. May I add that this is the first year that there is a tree from the students from N'dilo as their school just opened this year.

--Applause

Sunday, December 6th, will be the annual night of Christmas music at the Legislature. Local performers will sing Christmas carols, followed by a singalong and Christmas goodies. People must have tickets for the event due to the limited seating capacity. Tickets can be picked up at the front reception desk on the first floor in exchange for a donation of food. This food will then be donated to the Yellowknife Women's Centre. On Friday, December 11th, the Yellowknife MLAs will be hosting a Seniors' Tea here at the Great Hall. It starts at 2:30 p.m. and it includes seniors from Detah, N'dilo, as well as all the Yellowknife seniors. People who wish to get a ride can call the Baker's Centre. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to make a statement regarding my community of Igloolik. This community is one of the communities in Nunavut that has the highest increase of population within the Nunavut territory. There is some construction going on in Igloolik, whereas Nunavut construction companies are building homes. I would also like to indicate that the school gymnasium is too small for the growing community of Igloolik. In fact, just half the people of Igloolik can go to the school gymnasium to watch their children play during our concerts. This has become a major problem for the people of Igloolik and knowing that the territories will be divided in the next few months, I would like to encourage the Nunavut government and the construction association to look into building more homes and schools within communities. When the appropriate time comes, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions to the Minister of Education regarding schools. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past several days, issues surrounding governments and the basic foundation of public government in the Northwest Territories has caused much debate here and, indeed, in the national press. Mr. Speaker, the paramount focus of public government is that public government has to be ultimately accountable to the public. This includes the operations of government, contracts, policies and, indeed, the hiring of staff and the protection, Mr. Speaker, of the public purse. Mr. Speaker, perceptions of nepotism and cronyism have permeated this Assembly.

Seemingly, policies of this government are either followed haphazardly or by a system known only to a collective similar to the board. Mr. Speaker, the government needs to tighten up the enforcement of its hiring, contracting and other policies to demonstrate fairness to the ultimate power here, and that is our constituents, the people of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. They deserve nothing less. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off by saying there is light beyond the Conflict of Interest Commission inquiry and workings. There are things going on in our communities. One of them I would like to speak about today is, on November 20th, the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi and his RWED staff accepted my invitation to travel with me to my constituency, particularly Fort Liard. I would like to thank the Minister of RWED for spending the time with myself and my constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to report that in the Fort Liard area there is oil and gas activity going on. Chief Harry Deneron was our host and we flew with him to some of the camps in a helicopter in northern BC, which is still a traditional area of the Fort Liard Dene. We were told this winter there will be 11 drilling rigs that will be working in that area. Five of them in the Max Hamish area, which is south of the BC border, six of them north of 600 in the Fort Liard area itself. The band, Akaitcho Dene First Nations with their company, Beaver Enterprise has been working closely with the oil companies who acquire the work and the learning and the training expertise. As a result of that, Beaver Enterprise is working presently with Chevron Resources, Paramount Canadian Forest Oil Limited and Suncore. They have also made a big contract with the Alberta Energy Corporation to operate three base camps in the oil and gas fields. This will provide a number of camps. There will be a total of nine drilling camps as well as three main camps that will be working. They will be feeding between 700 to 800 people per day and they hope to have a projection of a gross revenue of $8 million to $10 million. This is quite a substantial amount for a community of Fort Liard.

They are going through a training process right now for people in the Fort Liard area first and the people in the region and the community and then the region. There are people in Fort Providence, Fort Simpson, Trout Lake, Jean Marie River that have been working and training in this area. With that, I would like to thank you for allowing me to make this presentation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Members' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not make it a habit of responding immediately to Members' statements, but I listened with interest today to the statements made by Mr. Picco, Mr. O'Brien and Mrs. Groenewegen and in some way I was expecting those statements, the effort to keep the momentum and go out for more blood, et cetera. I did get word in Edmonton that this was going to be the next plan, but I did want to make some comments on what appears to be being said and maybe we could clarify the record a little bit.

The conflict report recommends that the Member for Tu Nedhe be reprimanded for providing documents which he knew to be untrue or to contain untruth. One of those documents is document 246, a note signed by four Ministers of Cabinet, including myself. Mr. Speaker, there has been much talk about this note. I understand that some of the spin being put on document 246, is that its signatory not only signed a false document, that would include me. I wanted to set the record straight. When I testified at the inquiry, I told the truth. The document I signed could have been more accurate, as I said in the inquiry. If I had to do it over today, I would have changed the document to imply to simply say that Mr. Morin did not attend the Cabinet meeting when the item was discussed. This is the same thing that Mr. Todd said under oath.

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Mr. Arlooktoo, under Members' statements, statements can be made that shall not exceed two and half minutes, must be confirmed to one matter, shall be limited to one statement a day and that the Minister may make a statement in accordance with rule 36(1), but the statement must not relate to his or her responsibility as a Minister. This statement is clearly your responsibility as a Minister. I must rule you out of order. Members' statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Back in 1987, when I ran as a Member for the Legislative Assembly for Tu Nedhe, the majority of the work done in my communities were done by either companies from Yellowknife or from southern Canada. At that time, I can remember quite clearly that there was one construction job alone worth well over $1 million and my community benefited less than one percent. That was an open tender process. As a matter of fact, my community benefited so little that the contractor was able to pay the labourers in cash every Friday. That is how little benefit my community got from the dollar spent on their behalf in my community. That was a contractor out of Yellowknife. Also in my community, when the housing contracts came out to tender, sure enough, once again, another contractor came in, it was another contractor from another community, they were to build 14 houses, I think they hired six or seven labourers in the community and all the money went out of our community.

When I ran as MLA for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Speaker, I ran with the full intention of closing the gap that I represented in that community of 500 to 600 people. The money that this government spends in our communities has to stay in our communities. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that today, all the contracts in my communities stay in the communities, they do do joint ventures, they do bring in some project management, they bring in expertise to build them on budget, to build them on time, but they do do them in the community and the benefits stay in the community. How did that happen? This government, three terms ago, changed the policy. They changed the policy to allow for negotiated contracts in our communities to assist our people to get into that sector, so that we in the small communities can benefit from the dollar spent in our communities. We are benefiting from those dollars and I encourage the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Ministers to continue to negotiate contracts in the small communities, continue to work with the communities. They are the ones who have to benefit. Our unemployment rates are high in our communities. Our economic futures are not great, but we can do good, we are doing good. As long as we have negotiated contracts. Thank you.

--Applause

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this time I would like to recognize a member of the community of Clyde River, whose name is Alan Natanine. I would like to welcome him to the Legislative Assembly during his visit. Thank you. (Translation ends)

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize two individuals who have assisted this government greatly over the last few months in preparing for Nunavut and the legislation we are dealing with today. Ms. Margot Engley is legal counsel for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and she is in the gallery. As well, Ms. Susan Hardey, legal counsel for the Office of the Interim Commissioner and the Nunavut Department of Justice. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to welcome the rest of the people in the gallery. Welcome to the Assembly. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure which Minister I should direct my question to, it is regarding my statement in which I indicated Mr. Dent. It has something to do with the gymnasium plan that would be attached to the school in Pelly Bay, it also talks about the community hall in Pelly Bay, that implies the Department of MACA. I believe Public Works and Services is included in this regard. Mr. Speaker, since I implied the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and the communication was the lead Minister that the community of Pelly Bay wanted to communicate with, my question will be directed to my next-door neighbour, Mr. Dent. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister direct his senior staff to communicate with the Hamlet of Pelly Bay regarding the plan to build either a gymnasium or a community hall? Thank you.

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

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure if the representative of the Hamlet of Pelly Bay has plans to come to Yellowknife and meet, but perhaps the Minister could indicate to me in the House that he would ensure that his senior staff travel to Pelly Bay and meet with the hamlet council. Thank you.

Mr. Dent.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary to the same honourable Minister and I thank the Minister for the positive response. How soon will the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and the Minister of MACA be able to arrange a meeting of such importance? Thank you.

Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier on I mentioned through my Member's statement that I would pose a question to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. I know that the Minister is aware of the gymnasium being too small for the Hamlet of Igloolik and their requirements. When does the Minister have plans to make an expansion on the current gymnasium, that will be my first question. When do you plan on renovating a larger gymnasium at that time? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member for Amittuq informed me of the requirement for an expansion of the gymnasium in his community. At this time, I do not have the plans in front of me, however, they are in my office and I will take notice and give him further information as to when the expansion is planned for. I know that this was discussed in detail by my senior colleagues in my office and that is my response to that question to the Member. I apologize that I do not have the information in front of me, but I will defer it to him as soon as I can. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Perhaps supplementary to my question regarding Nunavut, as we are making plans for division, we have to make annual plans as well for capital items. Now my question is, once when we have Nunavut government, will these same plans that are in place already still be implemented in the new Nunavut government? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Ms. Thompson.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mike Ferris is a staff employee who we have been working with in the Nunavut area and he will be acting as deputy minister for the Nunavut government. As far as plans go for Nunavut, Mr. Ferris is fully aware of the plans and he is there to ensure that they are carried out according to the plans. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said yesterday in an effort to clarify and obviously I confused some others, to clarify the position of the government, the contracting departments, I mean there are hundreds and hundreds of contracts out there. No one person polices that. The contracting departments understand what the rules, if you want, the policies and procedures are as it relates to

contracting the former employees. If an employee comes forward that the department feels may be or is in conflict, if you want, of the guidelines, then they would seek clarity from my department or that employee or former employee would seek a waiver from my department. Thank you.

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

Mr. Todd.

I do recognize the seriousness of the issue and I know that it is serious with a number of Members for a variety of reasons. Let me try to not defend it, but to give some clarity. There are close to 6,000 contracts that we give out, I understand Public Works and other departments do on an annual basis. All of our government employees including our government officers who are authorized to award contracts, take an oath of office that they will faithfully and honestly fulfil the duties that they are assigned. In addition, the contract employees authorities must follow the Financial Administration Act, the contract regulations and the applicable government policies and procedures in awarding contracts. Now we have people in the government that have been with us for years that understand that.

If there is a problem here, let me say again today, yesterday I was asked by Mr. Picco about how many waivers have come across my desk, I have to tell you today not a single waiver has come across my desk. I checked that with one of my staff last night. It is important that you understand that because no waiver has come across my desk, to me anyway, it is obvious that there is no dispute in terms of understanding the rules and regulations, the contractual authorities that the people have and the manner in which the civil service applies them to awarding the contracts. I hope that explains it. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Todd.

Maybe what I will try to do again, is I wanted to get it clear, is provide some clarity. Because an officer leaves the government, that does not automatically mean that they are restricted from working with the government within the year that they leave the government. Do you understand what I am saying? It means that they can take work as long as the work they are taking does not give them the opportunity to unduly exploit the confidential information and they meet the criteria that I alluded to yesterday. I am advised, again, I say to you I am advised that nobody, in my tenure as the Finance Minister and I am sure the FMB, nothing has come across my desk, repeat nothing, that has requested a waiver. Therefore, I have to make the assumption that those people, all of them, including the ones we have talked about have met the criteria and the policies of contracting the former employees. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Todd.

I want to be clear, I indicate to my honourable colleague that I have received no waiver, I repeat, no waiver has come across my desk as Chairman of the FMB. My understanding in reviewing the contracts and with respect to Mr. Bailey, and there are others out there, that he met, I am sorry but he met the guidelines, the criteria and the policy that is set within government. The contractual departments that are responsible in making decisions understand what these guidelines and policies are. Thank you.

Thank you. Again, I would like to remind the

Members regarding naming people in this House who cannot be in the House to defend themselves. I do feel very uncomfortable that a statement was made regarding a person. There is not much I can do in way of ruling something of the person's name out of order because it has already been made. The statement has been made about that. I also would like to remind the Ordinary Members that you cannot be asking a question that has been asked before, to repeat an earlier question which was answered. I want to give notice to the Members that if you continue to repeat the same questions over that I feel have been answered, then they will be ruled out of order. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Deputy Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo, and it is regarding my statement in the House today on a moratorium on sole-sourced and negotiated requests for proposal contracts. Mr. Speaker, potentially my question would be better addressed to Mr. Antoine, from Public Works, but I am addressing it to the Premier, with your concurrence, because I would like to get an overall view of the flavour of the government as a whole. My question to the Deputy Premier, is he aware of the number of negotiated or sole-sourced contracts that the government are participating in now with individuals or businesses within the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Acting Premier, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I am not aware of the number, but I can find out what it is and provide it to the Member. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Premier agree that many of the concerns raised by the Conflict of Interest Commissioner surrounded the area of negotiated contracts and sole-sourced contracts and that there is potentially, among the public, a distrust of that particular process? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated yesterday, I am still in the process of analyzing the report myself, but my reading of it generally is that the Conflict Commissioner was more concerned, generally, about the perception of conflict and how the public could perceive on how these contracts are being awarded. I would acknowledge that it has been raised by Members of this House. Thank you.

Thank you. Again, I would like to remind the Members how they ask questions of the Minister, in which the Minister is expected to know what the public thinks of the process. The Minister cannot respond on what the public thinks. He can only respond to things that are within his knowledge. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I accept your comments. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Deputy Premier is, will the Deputy Premier consider taking the whole question of negotiated and sole-sourced and requests for proposals, take that whole issue to his Cabinet colleagues for discussion of the potential for putting a moratorium on that until there are guidelines put in place, and more importantly, that the public of the Northwest Territories trust can be regained in this particular area? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I answer that, I have just been provided with the numbers that the Member had asked for, at least the percentages, so if I may, I will take the opportunity to clarify on the number of contracts that are awarded by the Department of Public Works and Services each year. In summary, during the previous years, 70.7 percent of the total were publicly tendered, 11.8 percent were sole-sourced, 8.3 percent were negotiated and 9.2 percent were RFPs. I will also provide a written copy of these numbers to the Member as there is more detail to deal with.

As far as putting a moratorium on RFPs and sole-sourced contracts, I think that is out of the question. The government needs to carry on with the business of awarding contracts, of doing government business and, I think what is more appropriate is the ongoing review of our policy and procedures. I would confirm that is what the government does on a daily basis and that is what the Cabinet has looked at in the past. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister, would he consider taking the whole question of those contracts to his Cabinet colleagues for consideration while the trust of the public of the Northwest Territories is regained in the government and in the whole process? Would he consider taking it for discussion to his Cabinet colleagues, not whether

he would consider putting a moratorium on it but take it for discussion in respect of how the people of the Northwest Territories, at least the ones I have spoken to, feel on this topic? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We need to clarify this issue again of public confidence and public opinion and I appreciate your support in saying that it is not the Minister's role in defining that, but what I would suggest is that of the 56 or so communities in the north, I would suggest that it is not the majority opinion of those communities that these contracts are done in an improper way. In saying that, I acknowledge that it is a concern. It is a concern in Yellowknife, some of the major communities, the media and of the MLAs, and so therefore, it is a concern that the government needs to deal with. That is how I think we should deal with it. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for that. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that from the comments of the Deputy Premier that, in fact, it is a little more widespread than just one community. He has recognized that yes, he has heard concerns coming from Yellowknife, also from MLAs and also in the press. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that certainly represents more than one community's concern. Again, I would ask the Premier, would he consider taking it to his Cabinet colleagues for discussion? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would have to say that this is the type of issue that Cabinet does discuss on a frequent basis and issues that are raised by MLAs are considered seriously. Ministers raise them in Cabinet meetings and we do discuss them. I will certainly bring this issue up as the Member requests to Cabinet, but as I say, we will deal with it in the best way we believe it should be dealt with. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for FMBS, Mr. Todd. It is in reference to the opting-out policy. Mr. Speaker, I heard the Minister indicate that there were no requests from employees to be waived, or to opt out of this policy. Can the Minister tell me what type of enforcement is being done or are the employees self-policing themselves? How do we know what is going on? Thank you.

The Minister of the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me again say, I verified with my staff that no waiver has come across my desk in relationship to employees. While there may be, today, yesterday and in the future a focus on one particular employee, I want to remind everybody that a definition of senior officers is close to 300 plus people. What I have asked my staff to do, is I want to make sure that we get this clear, is to research the severance potential post-employment contracting by a number of people. In this community, for example, and others and other deputies, to see if, in fact, any waivers that I have not seen, have taken place. I have to do that just out of respect for the system. I have every confidence. I, for one, have faith in the integrity of the public service. I, for one, believe that all government employees, when they take the oath of office, they take it seriously. I, for one, believe that the civil servants that many of us represent, understand the seriousness of their obligations and responsibilities. And the policy is clear and the rules and regulations are clear. One Minister, or one department cannot police them all.

The obligation and responsibility lies with the contracting departments. They know what the policies are, they know what the rules are, we have a quality civil service, that I have faith in, I am saying to you today, in my initial research yesterday and last night, there was no exemption, if you want, or no waivers came across my desk. I am attempting, as quickly as I can, to research all the other employees out there. All the other employees out there, and to determine if, in fact, it has taken place. When I get it done, I will provide the Members, as quickly as I can, with that information.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe Mr. Todd is saying that each department is in charge of policing the policy. Is that correct?

Mr. Todd.

What I am indicating to my honourable colleague is that the contracting departments know the policy. There are hundreds of policies in government. This is just one that has got a focus right now because of the politics, if you want, and the current situation with respect to the Conflict Commission. I think everybody accepts that. There are

hundreds of policies out there. Senior management, who have the authority to award contracts are fully aware of the policies that this government has in place and the requirements by them to uphold and fulfil their obligations that they are sworn to do. I, for one, have faith in the civil service ability to do that. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again in reference to the opting-out policy as it relates to Mr. Bailey. Is Mr. Todd confirming that Mr. Bailey had no inside information, was not privy to any information relating to contracts he may have bid on? Thank you.