Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, I have committed to keeping Members informed of this government's efforts in increasing our housing stock in the NWT. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to update this Assembly, once again, on the progress of the NWT Housing Corporation's Plan 2000 initiative.

As you will recall, I introduced this initiative earlier this year to improve the housing conditions for up to 2000 families by the year 2000. The initiative has indeed expanded the delivery of housing assistance from the range of 300 to 400 families a year to 648 families this year. Under Plan 2000, the corporation is helping more families become home owners as well as upgrading or replacing homes in the social housing portfolio.

Mr. Speaker, while Plan 2000 represents a significant increase in the corporation's program delivery, it by no means represents all of the projects which the corporation is funding this year. In total, the corporation will be undertaking over 1,000 projects of all types in 1997-98. In addition to directly improving the living conditions for our residents, Plan 2000 also has a positive impact upon our economy. By expanding the number of projects undertaken this year, Plan 2000 is creating additional construction jobs in communities. I am extremely pleased and proud of the fact that Plan 2000 is on target. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past two years, the Department of Health and Social Services and our regional boards, while working to maintain current levels of programs and services to the people of the NWT, have struggled to assist this government to balance the budget. At the same time, the population and demand for services have increased, making our task even more difficult.

During this time, we were also beginning the much needed shift away from what had become, for the most part, an exclusive focus on treatment. The department and boards are now developing an approach that is more pro-active and prevention oriented. Mr. Speaker, we need to do a better job of getting to the underlying or root causes of the problems that face our residents. For example, with respect to alcohol and drug abuse, we have tended to treat the addiction, and to deal with the tragic outcomes of that abuse such as suicides, FAS/FAE, and violent crimes.

We need to move beyond just dealing with treatment, and address the underlying causes that lead to addiction. To do that, we need to strengthen our ability to support counselling and healing, in the community. Even as boards and the department took the tough steps to reduce costs, the pressures of forced growth continued to build. These demands, primarily for treatment, will continue to grow, as prevention efforts take time to show results. In order to make a difference over time, we need to make investments now, with new funds dedicated to prevention activities.

Mr. Speaker, the Strategic Initiatives Fund allows boards the opportunity to address the need for greater activity in prevention, education, and support for the residents they serve. It allows them to do this without having to cut into existing programs and services.

This fund calls for Health and Social Service boards to initiate re-investments in the following critical areas:

1. healthy children,

2. mental health,

3. public health,

4. supported living and

5. human resources.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow I will provide more detail about these areas and what we hope to accomplish in each.

Strategic Initiative Fund allows each board to focus on their own priorities and come up with plans to meet the needs of their own regions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to add that while this funding gives much needed relief to the system, it is only the beginning. In time we will begin to see the benefits of prevention on future generations; when our children are adults and begin their quest to protect their children. This investment and its subsequent results are just one element in our overall effort to improve the long-term socio-economic status of northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the topic of moosehide. Moose hide is the pride of the Dene culture. It is the source of traditional life for aboriginals. It is used for survival, ceremonies and festivities. The moose is a majestic animal and has been a symbol of economic survival in the Dene culture for generations. As the world around it has changed, the moose has adapted to its surroundings. In this, it is very similar the Dene of the north.

Mr. Speaker, anybody in the north, the Americas, or the world, will take notice of someone who is wearing their traditional aboriginal clothing. For the Dene, this clothing will usually involve the use of moosehide. Today, the practice of wearing traditional clothing, such as jackets, moccasins, mukluks or gloves and mittens, is not something we see in everyday life.

One concern to me, as I am sure it is to others, is the shortage of raw materials to make our traditional clothing. Mr. Speaker, I am not saying that moose is an endangered species. However, I do say the endangerment is that Dene people have fallen out of the traditional practice of using all parts of the moose. It seems that the meat is taken while the hide and other non-edible parts are being discarded.

Mr. Speaker, it takes a lot of time, effort and skill to treat a moosehide for use in clothing. Fortunately, everything needed for this treatment is found in the moose itself. Bones can be boiled down and the liquid used to soften the hide. The shinbone of the moose is a perfect tool to scrap the hide and the sinew can be used as thread. The moose provides us with everything we need to continue producing our traditional clothing.

This, Mr. Speaker, leads me to my second concern. The lack of interest in our young people to wear our traditional clothing, let alone learning how to produce these beautiful pieces of art. When I was younger, children used to take pride in receiving products made out of moosehide. They would be given at special times, like Easter, Christmas or in the summer holidays.

Today, Mr. Speaker, it disturbs and saddens me when I see the younger generation taking more pride in a jacket with a company or sports logo than in a moosehide vest. I urge this younger generation to look more closely at our traditional clothing and the pride that goes into making it. To look at what this clothing means to the continuation of our culture and traditions. A tradition this younger generation will be the guardians of one day. A tradition they will have to carry on or it will die out with the older generation. No one, Mr. Speaker, can correct this situation, or save our traditions, other than the people to whom the tradition belongs. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Your time is up, Mrs. Groenewegen.

The Member for Hay River is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Do we have any nays? Mrs. Groenewegen, you have unanimous consent to conclude your statement.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. Members' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will be tabling a letter from the mayor of Coral Harbour, Johnny Ningeongan to James Arvaluk, carbon copied to Jose Kusugak and Raymond Ningeocheak in regard to the Hunter Support Program. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, there is a concern in our community about the Hunter Support Program and how these funds are being spent. I have a letter from Johnny Ningeongan and addressed to the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Their concern is how the Hunter Support Program funds are being used. This is a concern from my constituency. I have also received calls from other communities regarding this concern as to how their funds are being used. This letter is to the NTI. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the United Nations representative Alfonso Martinez, who is at the Hay River Reserve this week to speak about and listen to people's interpretations of treaties and their rights. He will be making a report to the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations. Mr. Speaker, a special rapporteur's report could have very serious implications for aboriginal peoples and for the governments which are dealing with aboriginal peoples. The purpose of his report and investigation is to see what treaties mean, if they are international agreements and which rights stem from them.

Mr. Speaker, a previous report on self-determination done by the United Nations led to Canada declaring that aboriginal people have inherent right of self-determination. It also led to the establishment of a working group which is developing the draft United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The working group reports to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. The draft declaration has huge implications. All members of United Nations are supposed to follow United Nations directions and Canada is a member. After the previous report on self-determination which said that all peoples have the right to self-determination, Canada declared that aboriginal people have the inherent right to self-determination and began to implement their policy. Later Canada also made a presentation to the working group working on the Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People. At that point, they put forward a document that said aboriginal people have the right to self-determination as long as that self-determination respects the territorial integrity. Meaning, no right to secession.

Mr. Speaker, students of treaties and treaty rights such as myself, are quite interested to see what the report will say. Mr. Speaker, we are even more interested to see what occurs afterwards, as a result of the report. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in the House today to talk about an issue that is very important to members of my constituency, the carving industry. As I have said before, the carving industry is the most important sector of local economies of Baffin South. In constituency meetings and radio phone-in shows that I conducted in Kimmirut, Cape Dorset and Sanikiluaq, the issue

of carving sales has been one of the most discussed topics. Why is this one of such great interest to my constituents, Mr. Speaker? Carving sales put food on the table, pay the bills and are worth $3 million to the three communities of Baffin South with a total population of approximately 2300. This income is a significant and critical source of income by any standard. Mr. Speaker, this is an industry in need of support and guidance. We need to band together to ensure that the carving industry stays viable. I have brought this issue up in meetings and in writing to government agencies and have spoken to individuals who buy and market the carvings. There are two main issues that we need to deal with:

1) increase marketing to deal with decreasing sales and prices;

2) an information campaign to deal with quality and diversity of products. (Translation ends)

I have discussed my concerns with the Minister of Renewable Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi, and requested timely discussions on the expansion of the market for Inuit carvings. I am pleased to say that all parties have been working cooperatively to develop solutions to this problem.

Although, we are still far from solving this problem, I believe we have made some progress. I was pleased to hear Minister Kakfwi speak about the importance of marketing NWT arts and crafts in the House this week. I have also discussed my concerns with the regional RWED superintendent for the Baffin region, Mr. Clay Buchanan. He has met with me as well as representatives of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.

It was agreed that representatives of these organizations would work together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Member for Baffin South is seeking unanimous consent to concluded his statement. Are there any nays? Mr. Arlooktoo, you have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was agreed that representatives of these organizations would work together and form a steering committee with the overall objective of developing an action plan for the carving industry in the Baffin region. The steering committee met and decided to contract the services of Blandina Tulugarjuk to act as project manager.

The committee is currently developing a workplan that will guide the development of a strategy, and will hire the expertise required to produce the action plan. It is anticipated that the action plan will be presented at a meeting between the carver representatives from the communities, purchasers of Inuit carvings and government officials early in April/May in Iqaluit.

Mr. Speaker, I would to like thank everyone for the hard work and effort. I would also like to specifically acknowledge the efforts of the co-ops for highlighting this important issue. With this kind of cooperation, I believe we will not only solve the current problem but we will also have a stronger economic base for the future of Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the hamlet of Arviat for the work in trying to move ahead the construction of the much needed Arviat Health Centre. Mr. Speaker, with all parties working together it is possible this much needed facility will start construction sooner than expected. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the community in regard to a proposed caribou harvest which would see approximately 75 to 80 caribou harvested to provide meat for the elders and the less fortunate. In advance, I would like to thank Mr. Kakfwi for any efforts he may be able to lend towards this request. Thank you.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about my home community of Fort Resolution. As many of you know, Fort Resolution is the oldest settlement in the Northwest Territories. It is over 200 years old. Church records describe those early days, but our history is mostly an oral one. Our elders continue to tell us what life was like back then.

Mr. Speaker, because my community is situated on the shore of Great Slave Lake at the mouth of the Slave River, Fort Resolution was the main trading centre for the Northwest Territories. It was an ideal place to do business. Resupply barges or scows, as they were called back then, had to pass through Fort Resolution to connect to communities along the Mackenzie River. Five general stores competed for business at the time.

Mr. Speaker, not only was Fort Resolution a major trading centre at the turn of the century, it is where the church built its first educational centre, known as a convent and it built a huge hospital as a health care centre. Fort Resolution is also along the migration route of ducks and geese as they came north in the spring. Harvesting waterfowl, fish and wildlife has sustained the people of my area for many years. There are families who continue to depend on country foods to eat. It is not a luxury, Mr. Speaker, it is a way of life. Trapping furs is also a way of supporting our families. Mr. Speaker, logging has also been around the community since the turn of the century. Logging supported the first mines here in the north with the supply of timber and firewood to those mines. For the last 25 years logging has been the major employer in Fort Resolution.

In 1961, we first got power. In 1968, was the first time we saw television in the Northwest Territories. There used to be a winter road into the community but in the early 1970's the highway was put in. Fort Resolution continues to grow and grow in more ways than one. They grow together as a community. Mr. Speaker, this is a community that I am very proud to be part of. I am proud to call my home. Proud of the roots my family have there and proud to say that I was chosen by the people to represent them. I seek unanimous consent to continue, Mr. Speaker.

The Member for Tu Nedhe is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? Mr. Morin, you have unanimous consent.

I would like to thank my colleagues very much for that unanimous consent, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The people of Fort Resolution know how to work together. They know how to get things done. They support each other in their time of need. There are many examples of this. Just recently an elder was sent to the hospital in Edmonton for an operation. He was not doing well and it was felt he needed to have his family near him. It was the community, Mr. Speaker, that went door to door and put on a bingo to raise money to send one of his adult children to be with him.

When we have a death in our community, it hits the whole community. The whole community feels the loss. At the same time the whole community will pull together to make sure the family is able to give their loved one a decent burial and be there for morale support. I have seen examples of this time and time again, Mr. Speaker. This is a community that has a mixed population of Dene, Metis and non-aboriginal peoples and they all work together. Fort Resolution has had a stable population for a long time. This is where major families have lived for many years.

Fort Resolution now manages their own health care, their own education system and they believe in managing their own lives for the betterment of all the residents of this small community. The leadership in Fort Resolution is strong. They support each other. They work together to get things done. The community can boast of joint venture agreements where they have come together. Where if there are any differences, they can be put aside because they are doing something for the whole community.

Mr. Speaker, as I said before, I am proud to represent the people of Fort Resolution and I am sure that we can all learn something from the people of this community on how to get things done in a positive way. Tomorrow, Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement will be about Lutselk'e, the other community I represent. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Morin. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to support young high school students regarding employment for the summer break. Mr. Speaker, I have heard from the smaller communities that there are no jobs available, like in the mining area. There is not enough support for high school students to employ them. Mr. Speaker, this government has been providing funds for the youth to be employed. The funds are not going to the small communities. For instance, in the community I represent, Arctic Bay, is only 20 miles away from a mine. The only time I have seen these students hired, is to do community clean up which does not give the support to the students to motivate them to work in places like these. They should be trained to do a job. They are high school students and they need money. For this reason, I rise today in support of these high school students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last March, Cabinet launched the regulatory reform initiative, which streamlined the regulatory programs and eliminated unnecessary red tape that were creating impediments to economic development and business operations in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I support this regulatory initiative. A small specialized secretariat has now been established reporting jointly to the Minister of Finance and the Minister for RWED. A number of proposals for changing legislation, regulations and procedures are under active consideration based on input from chambers of commerce, industry and professional associations, individual businesses and service delivery personnel and GNWT departments. Emphasis is being placed on grassroots communication with stakeholders through surveys, presentations and direct contact and are finding practical strategies that are available within the remaining term of this, the 13th Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, in addition the secretariat has been working to secure a better northern representation into standard setting and the development of regulatory codes at the national level. A frequent concern of NWT business people has been that the code requirements developed on a nationwide basis sometimes do not give adequate consideration to the needs and special circumstances of our northern lifestyle.

Mr. Speaker, over the past year, however, the Northwest Territories has been able to take an increasing role on advisory committees to the Standards Council of Canada and other national bodies. Mr. Speaker, the regulatory reform is a proactive and constructive initiative of this government. Later today I will be asking the Minister of RWED, if the honourable Member from Thebacha will allow me, some questions on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. An elder requires a proper living environment in order to maintain their dignity. Most importantly, an elder's home would provide the extended care not readily available in a family setting if the elder were living by themselves. (Translation ends)

Mr. Speaker, the community of Broughton Island needs an elders' home. Family homes are often overcrowded; single homes do not offer the support an elder would require, and in an emergency, it is difficult for the elder to get help. An elders' home would give the respect and support services an elder deserves and should expect. Our elders took care of us when we were young, and now we have an opportunity to take care of them. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I recommend the government seriously consider building and operating an elders' home in Broughton Island. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a Dene from Nahendeh, moose is also a very important commodity among the Dene of the land where I come from. Mr. Speaker, when I was raised out on the land, many times during my childhood there were great expectations and excitement and appreciation when someone from your camp was able to get a moose. The moose provided many things, mainly food, fresh meat and dry meat. Even today when I travel to my constituency and I am lucky to get some dry moose meat, it is consumed immediately by everyone who finds out about it. Every part of the moose is very important. The head is consumed, the tongue, nose, some parts of the guts and the stomach is also a delicacy among the Dene. The marrow from the bone from the hoof is also a delicacy with dry meat. It is also made into a pounded dry moose meat and marrow mix.

The moosehide is used for clothing. Moccasins, work shoes, moosehide vests and jackets we see here in the Legislative Assembly are also being made today. The raw hide is also used for rope and string to use out on the land.

Today, the people of Nahendeh, in my riding, still continue to hunt moose and still consume this meat to supplement their food on the table. Today, the hides are also being produced traditionally in all of the communities of my constituency, however, there is a need to encourage and support the continuation of the art of moosehide making. I agree with my two honourable colleagues in this House who spoke earlier about this very important area.

Mr. Speaker, if our responsibilities of running this Legislative Assembly did not have us here today, I certainly would be out on the land hunting moose with those who are lucky enough to be able to get away to enjoy our land, especially this time of the year. It is a very good time of the year, when it is not too cold and it is great to be out on the land. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two weeks ago I faxed out a survey to GNWT employees requesting their input on how they felt regarding the five mandatory days of leave without pay. This leave was initiated by the government for the past two years as part of our deficit elimination plan, Mr. Speaker.

I was interested in finding the quantity of Christmas purchases done within Yellowknife and also, if these five days provided the option for employees to travel during this time. I also incorporated questions to get the employees' perspective on these mandatory leave days because, Mr. Speaker, we are the elected body, we have the responsibility of finding out how satisfied our employees are with their employer.

Mr. Speaker, I received 157 responses. I would like to sincerely thank all the employees who responded. I hope that every Member will find the results beneficial. Sixty-two percent of the respondents indicated they left Yellowknife over the Christmas season. Seventy-one percent of the government employees purchased locally. Having these days off at Christmas time was not a deciding factor for 88 percent in planning their holidays. It was reassuring to find that 71 percent of respondents did not feel these mandatory days off were detrimental to their workload.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most surprising findings for me, was the result of the question that asked if employees would support continuing the mandatory leave days without pay in future years. Fifty-five percent supported continuing the mandatory leave days, 41 percent did not support it and four percent were unsure. Following up on this, I asked whether employees preferred keeping these days off at Christmas, 30 percent wanted the time off at another time of the year and 65 percent wanted to keep these days off during the Christmas holidays. Seventy-three percent of respondents, Mr. Speaker, were UNW members, 10 percent were Hay Plan employees, and 10 percent were excluded employees and seven percent of them did not indicate their status.

Mr. Speaker, when these results were made available to Members of this House, you will also see the constructive comments and ideas our government employees have to send to their elected representatives. We can all read into these statements what we wish, Mr. Speaker. I hope this government will take heed of what the employees are saying in this response. I would sincerely hope that our employees being the most important asset this government has, will have their views recognized and considered. I encourage our Minister for the Financial Management Board to take a good look at what our employees are saying and feeling. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Return to oral questions. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Return to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

The Premier, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was never more sure of anything in my life. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Does the Premier wish to respond? Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In this business, just like any other business, you treat people with respect. You deal with people straight forwardly. If you have an issue to address you ask the question, you get the answer and you take that at table level. I have asked all my Cabinet colleagues, did any of you write that note to the Member for Hay River? They said no and I trust them all. I stand by them. That is how I know, none of my Cabinet colleagues wrote that note. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

The Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

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

Mr. Kakfwi.

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

Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware of the situation from the Member's comments previously. I have directed my staff to provide me with more details on that. I will take the question as notice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The question is taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of MACA and it is concerning above-ground swimming pools. Many years ago the priority of this government was in the area of recreational activities. We had swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools, hockey arenas and such, justified by the fact recreational activity entails spiritual well being, mental and physical. I am not going to go beyond that. Gjoa Haven has wanted to have a swimming pool program during the summer, an above-ground swimming pool. The mayor of that community has talked to me about it and they are willing to put money into the program. The mayor and the council want to know if the Minister of MACA will supply the cost for freight from the point of departure to that community? Is there funding in that area? Thank you.

The Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am aware of this pool project from Gjoa Haven. The Member has brought it up to me some time ago. I will revisit this situation for

the community and get back to the Member with the details. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recognizing the honourable Minister will get back to me, how soon will the honourable Minister get back to me? Thank you.

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. By the end of today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

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

Mr. Kakfwi. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe we can try to have something in place by the end of August at the very latest. That is what I will ask my department to do. It is the kind of thing we require to talk to all the hunters and trappers and community leaders about. It would involve wildlife management boards and hunters and trappers. It will be a rather intense consultation period. Thank you.

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

Thank you. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An elders home is very much needed in Broughton Island. My question will be directed to the Minister of Health and Social Services, the honourable Kelvin Ng. Will the Minister consider building an elders home in Broughton Island? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the main focus of the department is trying to provide home care if at all possible. Trying to make it a priority to try to increase an individual's ability to stay in their own home and to live independently if at all possible. However, there are cases where individuals do require, once they get to the point of requiring long term, 24-hour care. In those situations we try to provide that service to them as close to home as possible, but it is not always possible to do it in every community. We will have to review what the needs are for Broughton Island residents, along with the Baffin Regional Health and Social Services Board, to see what services are adequate to meet their needs, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister for Municipal and Community Affairs. I should clarify yesterday in committee of the whole, while asking some questions on the Keewatin transfer pilot project, indeed I had been in the meeting in Pangnirtung and when I reviewed my minutes and the copies of same, the briefing was done in Pangnirtung. I apologize to the Minister at this time, for not seeing that.

Mr. Speaker, my question concerning the Keewatin pilot project is next week there is a meeting in Rankin with the Keewatin leaders, concerning the initiative that has been put forward in that area of the territories. Will the Minister for MACA be attending on behalf of this government, at that meeting? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Member for his apology. He had the whole presentation on his desk this morning and showed it to me. I will be attending some part of the meeting in Rankin, if my budget can be finished soon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have received an invitation to attend the meeting next week in Rankin, along with other Members of this House and because we are in the budget session, I will not be able to attend. I wonder if the Minister would be able to facilitate a meeting between the Members of this House on the standing committee, under MACA, so that we would actually have an opportunity to meet with the mayors of the Keewatin region, maybe in April sometime we could actually look over this proposal? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually I just did that. The mayors did come over here and on their behalf I was able to tell the Members they were in town to meet with them. After the leadership meeting in Rankin, I will get their advice on that, if they want to meet with the Members. It is the mayors call for them to come over. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

The Minister of Public Works and Services, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have not received any detailed information from my Department of Public Works in regard to the question, at this time. I am not aware there was any contact prior to July by Mr. Marceau. I am still waiting for a reply from the department. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.