Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for Minister Ng, Minister of Health and Social Services, in regard to St. John Ambulance services provisions in the Northwest Territories. As the Minister knows, I have raised this question a number of times in regard to funding for that organization. Some three years ago, the funding for the organization was reduced and in an association like other organizations, I think that was only fair to approach it that way. Last year they were reduced from $100,000 to $50,000 and this year they were reduced to no funds at all. That is a concern to the association because of their work that they do.

The Minister in a reply to me dated yesterday stated that he was turning down our request, our further request from the Yellowknife MLAs to reinstate some funding. My question for the Minister is, in regard to the reasons, and the Minister states that non-government organizations that are considered to be providing basic service receive funding. My question for the Minister is, what does he consider and can he give me an example of basic service? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, it is because Aids NWT has a contribution agreement with the department, but I want to point out to the Minister and lead up to my question, then that St. John's Ambulance has always provided in all communities in the Northwest Territories first aid training and that is done on a voluntary basis, if I understand correctly. The concern I have is, what is the difference between St. John's Ambulance being regarded as non basic and the HIV information helpline as being a basic service? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I consider the work of St. John's Ambulance in all communities in the Northwest Territories to be an essential service. It certainly has been for the last 20 years and it really surprises me that we cannot get support for this, Mr. Speaker. My question to the Minister is, to his knowledge, what other services are available to be provided other than St. John's Ambulance in the communities for safety and first aid training? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would suggest that there are not enough, at the moment, private sector operators to provide service in all communities. I am wondering if the Minister will undertake to survey the communities throughout the north, to see in what fashion they consider St. John's Ambulance service necessary. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Finance. I have received a concern from a constituent in Hay River. My question has to do with the job re-evaluation process that took place. Some positions were deemed or assigned, a lower pay scale than what is currently being paid to an employee in that position. Mr. Todd has previously provided assurances in the House that these GNWT employees would not see a decrease in their salary scales as a result of that evaluation process. It would seem that since then there has been information in the public that, in fact, this was just a two-year moratorium and after two years those affected positions would see their salaries decrease. I was wondering if the Minister could clarify that for us. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe this is a very important question that needs to be clarified because it is part of what the employees understood in accepting these changes. I would like to have that clarified as soon as possible. I am sure Mr. Todd would not mind telling me how quickly he might be able to respond to that for me. Thank you.