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.