Thank you, Mr. Enuaraq. Good Morning.

Speaker's Ruling

Before we start with the orders of the day, I would like to provide you with a ruling on the point of order raised by Mr. Roland on February 16, 1998, regarding a Minister quoting from a Cabinet document and Mr. Roland's request to have a Cabinet document tabled in the House.

By way of background, Mr. Roland argued that because it appeared Mr. Kakfwi made reference to and allegedly quoted from a Cabinet document, the Premier should be prepared to table the entire Cabinet decision in the House.

In presenting his point of order, Mr. Roland quoted from Beauchesne's Parliamentary Rules and Forms, sixth edition. He quoted citation 495(1), which reads:

"A Minister is not at liberty to read or quote from a dispatch or other state paper not before the House without being prepared to lay it on the Table."

First, I must indicate that I have reviewed the unedited Hansard which contains the comments made by Mr. Kakfwi on February 13, 1998, and cannot find a clear indication that Mr. Kakfwi was quoting from a Cabinet directive or a Cabinet record of decision. It would appear that his reference to a Cabinet Directive was, in fact, an excerpt from letters that had been sent to Sahtu leaders regarding the issue of Sahtu health service delivery. Those letters have subsequently been tabled before this House as Tabled Document 48-13(5). I view this particular question to be a moot point, and perhaps a question of terminology. However, as Cabinet documents, including Cabinet directives and Cabinet records of decision, are papers which this House cannot order to be tabled. In other words, even if a Cabinet document is referred to, it need not be tabled. I refer Members to Beauchesne's citation 446(2)(1) for further clarification on the protections accorded to Cabinet documents.

In addition, I wish to address the point made by Mr. Roland whereby he suggested that gaining access to all Cabinet documents relating to the Cabinet's decision on this issue is the only means to allow him to effectively represent his constituents in this matter. Firstly, I must reiterate that Cabinet documents are exempt from mandatory production by way of an order of this House. Secondly, only the specific document cited need be tabled and this, in effect, has been done as the relevant letters have been tabled. As Beauchesne's citation 495(4) states:

"Only the document cited need be tabled by a Member. A complete file need not be tabled because one document is it has been cited."

For these reasons, I rule that Mr. Roland does not have a point of order. The Cabinet, through the Premier, cannot be compelled to table Cabinet documentation relating to this issue. Thank you

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi will be absent form the House this morning to meet with the Russian delegation in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicles Division, through its highway transport officers, is responsible for enforcing the regulatory environment for our trucking industry, including driver and vehicle licensing, mechanical safety standards, vehicle weights and dimensions, security of loads, hours of service, dangerous goods as well as the rules of the road in general. A permanent weigh scale and vehicle inspection station on Highway # 1 at Enterprise has been the division's focal point for most regulatory enforcement. However, truck traffic has been increasing steadily in areas far away from Enterprise, such as, logging operations near Fort Liard and Fort Simpson, mine re-supply on the Ingraham Trail and winter road operations north of Wrigley to the Sahtu communities.

While increased trucking activity is a welcome sign of positive economic growth for an area, the number of heavy trucks also raises the public's concerns for highway safety. The department has received requests from many quarters to extend its enforcement activities.

Especially when public money is tight, building new permanent weigh scale sites take a large commitment, of both capital and operating dollars, in fixed locations that may be no better situated to deal with future changes in truck traffic. As an alternative to fixed sites, the Department of Transportation is putting a new mobile inspection station in service this week. This self-contained vehicle, similar to ones in service in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, will be deployed in areas where truck traffic is heaviest. It is designed to operate year round and, if necessary, under severe weather conditions.

It is equipped with portable weigh scales that can weigh any size of vehicles. As well as the standard equipment used in a stationary inspection station, such as a fax, photocopier, computer and printer, it also has radio and satellite communications. With satellite technology, the highway transport officers can check licenses, verify safety certificates and issue permits just as they do in the permanent station at Enterprise.

The unit is built for two officers to operate around the clock at any location for days at a time. The mobile inspection station will be an effective tool for detecting and deterring violations of transport regulations and for carrying out ongoing safety programs. By going where the trucks are, instead of waiting for them to stop by, the department can do a much better job of protecting the public's $1 billion investment in our highway infrastructure. The motto on the vehicle, On the Move - Safely, speaks for the department's commitment to safety for both the trucking industry and the general public on our highways.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation is pleased to invite the Members of the Assembly to take a look at its new mobile inspection station that is parked outside today in the Assembly's parking area. An open house and demonstration for the general public will be held tomorrow in the parking lot at the Yellowknife arena. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Before we go on with the Members' statements, I would like to recognize some people in the gallery, the Russian delegation and I would like to tell the delegation first, I apologize if I do not say your names correctly. Here are the names of the delegation: there is Minister Vladimir Kuramin, chairman of the Russian State Committee of Northern Development; Mr. Pavel Zaidfudim, first deputy chairman of the Russian State Committee of Northern Development; Mr. Serguei Kharioutchi, president of the Association of Indigenous Minorities of the Russian North; Harold Finkler, director, Circumpolar Liaison Directorate; Mr. Nikita Kirilov, the interpreter, and Mr. Jean Villeneuve, the DIAND official. Welcome to the Assembly.

--Applause.

Did I do okay in pronouncing your names? Orders of the day. Item 3, members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have asked in this House on previous occasions about the annual problem with Revenue Canada and income tax filing. Mr. Speaker, the income tax forms are hard enough to understand at the best of times and with fewer resources in our smaller communities many people have chosen not to file returns in the past. Mr. Speaker, I brought my concerns forward in this House to the Minister of Finance and I am pleased, Mr. Speaker, that our Finance Minister has had some success with Revenue Canada. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Todd recently wrote me to inform me that, indeed, Revenue Canada, after some prodding by this government, will be visiting fourteen NWT communities, including nine in Nunavut, to help with income tax returns. Mr. Speaker, for the first time, Revenue Canada will be holding a tax clinic in Iqaluit.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

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

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, given all that has been going on in these last two days, I would like to reflect on what has been going on in this House. Mr. Speaker, I have strong feelings about the role that Nunavut Caucus must play in this House, particularly given recent events.

First, I would like to thank my honourable colleague, Mr. Levi Barnabas, for his statement yesterday. It took a lot of courage and was the honourable thing to do.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is important that Nunavut Caucus Members stay out of political games, such as recent events and focus on the issues that concern the people we represent: the creation of Nunavut, the high cost of living, economic development and social issues, as well as what was mentioned by the Iqaluit Member with regard to income tax.

Let me repeat, these kinds of distractions lack credibility and take all of our energies away from issues that really matter. Mr. Speaker, I believe this does no service to the people we are here to serve and hurts the credibility of all Members of this House.

The people of the NWT want us to act like leaders. This means focusing on issues that count to the people, rising above the temptation to resort to dirty politics, acting with honesty and integrity and solving problems rather than creating them.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of how the Members of Nunavut Caucus have handled themselves these last few days. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell Members of a very sad thing that happened in Yellowknife. Last night in the After 8 pool hall where all Members of the Legislative Assembly, including yourself Mr. Speaker, were socializing by playing a pool tournament. Some Members were also playing darts. All Members were enjoying each others company. The reason it makes it very sad, Mr. Speaker, is this is the first time I have ever been beaten in this type of tournament.

--Laughter

Mr. Sharky Erasmus ended up winning the tournament, and I know we cannot ever say in this House that anybody cheats or anything, but he was a very good shot. He did manage to win on the last eight ball. I would like to thank all the Members for coming out last night and the staff. Myself, I came in second and Phil Bailey came in third. It hurt Phil more because he is a lot younger then myself and Roy and we both whipped him on the pool table. Thank you.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some of my constituents from the Nahendeh constituency attended a three-day meeting on the Hay River Reserve in the Deh Cho region last week from February 9 to 11, 1998. This was a three-day meeting on treaty rights, and there was discussion on the oral understanding of Treaty 8 and 11 from the elders and community leaders of the Akaitcho and Deh Cho territories. Mr. Speaker, they had a special guest, a special rapporteur from the United Nations, Dr. Alfonso-Martinez was in attendance at this meeting. This doctor has been commissioned to have a final report prepared for the United Nations in July of this year. He is investigating the Indigenous Treaties from around the world and will be making recommendations to be implemented at the international level.

Mr. Speaker, this meeting was attended by a lot of people throughout the Deh Cho region, including the communities I represent. There were a number of representations that were made emphasizing the importance of the oral history and the understanding that Treaty 8 and 11 are peace and friendship arrangements rather then lands surrenders. People have expressed their concerns at this meeting and voiced dissatisfaction with violations against their treaties over the years. People have felt that there is a breach by the federal government obligations to the First Nations in the north. There is also a concern that Canada's policies and directions today continue to infringe on their treaty rights. I would like to quote from the Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus who was a presenter and emphasized, "the validity of Indigenous Treaties and that by International and British Common Law standards Canada is obligated to implement and uphold their part of the bargain," and "there was a meeting of the minds at Treaty making which cannot be ignored by Canada any longer." Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to welcome our visiting Russian delegation. I hope they find our city and country interesting and enjoyable.

Yesterday as you may recall, we had the privilege to meet with the NWT Council of Friendship Centres. The meeting proved to be very interesting and informative. In my community the friendship centre has been a focal point for the young and old for many years. It was not that long ago the centre was in a very bad financial state and looked like it was on the verge of closing. However, due to the hard work of the board and their executive director, this friendship centre is now operating many services that are needed in the community and have been able to get the financial situation back in order.

Most of you have seen the friendship express driving the streets of Yellowknife over the past months. This is one example, the board saw a need for a regular scheduled bus service between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife and were able to purchase a bus. They now operate this bus daily, picking up freight from various suppliers here in Yellowknife as well as transporting residents to and from Yellowknife.

The friendship centre movement across our great nation provides many very good programs and services for our native people. These centres are a safe place to go where you are always welcome with a smile and a hot cup of coffee. They make you feel at home and wanted. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Council of Friendship Centres needs our support and we should not hesitate in giving it to them. It is for the best for all our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of the only elders here, Mr. Evaloarjuk's birthday. He was born on February 18, 1937. I would also like to celebrate the birthday of my colleague, Mr. David Akeeagok.

--Applause

Thank you. Happy birthday, Mr. Evaloarjuk. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, back when the Minister of Finance made his budget speech, I had made a statement and asked questions in regard to the homeless in Yellowknife and other parts of the Northwest Territories and in answer to my questions, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, indicated that he would be willing to work with a group or groups in order to help rectify the situation. As well the Minister of Housing had indicated that he would work with the other Ministers in the social envelope to try to address this situation. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report today that there is such a group in Yellowknife working on this problem. They are called the Front Door Society. The Front Door Society, was formed about a year ago and their long-term mandate is to seriously look at the homeless on a larger scale. There are many unanswered questions that society needs to look at such as the impacts that division and decentralization will have. They are also doing a survey to determine the actual number of homeless people in Yellowknife and what services are already available to them. As well, to look at the availability of lands within the city, which ones would be best suited for a facility and what the costs will be. Obviously, it would be nice to if they could get a donation of land from the city or one of our senior governments.

The Front Door Society's goal is to provide a rooming house for hard to house people within the City of Yellowknife. Their challenge is to provide supportive housing that recognizes residents as individuals who value their independence and that facilitates and supports choice in people's lives while developing and supporting a community of residents. The society is in the process of getting a charitable organization status so they can provide tax exempt receipts when they receive donations. Mr. Speaker, the society has already had meetings with all interested parties, meaning those who provide services to people in need, particularly the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services as well as the City of Yellowknife and of course we have to bring in the citizens of Yellowknife. Mr. Speaker, doing it this way makes it truly a solution that comes from the community. The society's next step, Mr. Speaker, is to make a presentation to the Yellowknife City Council of February 23, 1998 at which time they will be discussing their proposal. Thank you.

--Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have two returns to oral questions. The first one asked by Mrs. Groenewegen on January 21, 1998

Further to your question posed to the honourable Minister Antoine, I am pleased to provide the following information.

There is provision for organ donation through the Critical Care Unit at Stanton Regional Hospital in Yellowknife. An Alberta organization, the Human Organ and Procurement Exchange Society (HOPE) supplies the funding and personnel for organ retrieval procedures at Stanton. HOPE also organizes organ transplant services in Alberta and coordinates with similar organizations across Canada and the United States.

There have been requests to include an organ donor agreement on NWT drivers' licences. Instead, the Department of Health and Social Services is going to look at the possibility of including this information on health care cards. Health care cards are more widely held by NWT residents than drivers' licences. With the creation of two new territories, health care cards will be redesigned. The department is actively pursuing the idea of incorporating organ donation information on the new health care cards.

We should remember that signing a card does not guarantee organ donation. People should discuss their wishes with their families. It is important that families know their loved one wants to be an organ donor, as the next of kin always have final approval of any organ donation.

The second return to oral question Mr. Speaker, asked by Mr. Picco on February 3, 1998.

A comprehensive review, by the Medical Services Branch of Health Canada, of the non-insured health benefit (NIHB) drug benefit list has been ongoing. The purpose of the continuing review is to ensure that the drugs on the list meet current needs of NIHB clients and that they reflect current medical practices as new information emerges about both the old and new drugs.

While coverage of some drugs will be limited or discontinued, a significant number of drugs continue to be added to the NIHB formulary on an ongoing basis.

The decision to add or delete any drug is made only after careful consideration. The particular needs of NIHB clients, the safety of the drug, the accumulated scientific research and the availability of better alternatives are all factors that are weighed in deciding which drugs remain listed. The revised drug benefit list will contain approximately 6,000 items which ensure that comprehensive drug coverage is available to all NIHB clients.

In cases where doctors want drugs that are not on the list for their NIHB clients, they are asked to complete an exception drug request form explaining why that particular drug is needed. Coverage will not be denied for any drug for which there is a legitimate medical need.

The updated drug benefit list was distributed to all NWT pharmacies, physicians and health centres in September, 1997. As well, letters were sent to chiefs, First Nations, Inuit associations, medical associations and regional health and social services boards.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe I already informed the Member that they had been distributed. There was a question about where they were distributed. I committed to having that information available for committee of the whole, review of the budget and I do have that information but not with me right now. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a government-wide problem. It is my understanding these computers purchased are year-2000 compatible. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are no plans to change anything. The boards will continue to be the program service delivery agent in their service areas. We will continue to provide support to them as much as possible. In fact, to strengthen some of the support mechanisms, we have to provide as much assistance as possible to the boards. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, most definitely. It is the whole intent of the establishment of boards that they would be more accountable and responsible to the people they have served through direct representation of people that are within their service areas, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can give that assurance, certainly. It is a very dramatic step to get into that type of an enquiry type of situation and as you know, there would have to be serious circumstances to warrant having that happen, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

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

Thank you, it is good to be back. People must have missed me the last couple of days. In respect to the Sahtu health care services, the last Minister of Health and Social Services chose to bring to Cabinet a decision paper that outlined where the Sahtu communities went for their health services. Specifically, it was decided at that time, Fort Good Hope and Colville Lake residents had the choice of going to Inuvik or Yellowknife for their services. People in Norman Wells, Deline and Tulita were asked to be referred to Yellowknife for their services. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, generally Cabinet or Ministers will adopt or operate on the basis of former Cabinet decisions. Ultimately, each Minister has responsibility under specific statutory instruments, legislation, outlining their authority. I use for example, my case as Minister of Health and Social Services under the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act, I have the authority to establish boards of management. I have the authority to delegate to them the authority to control health facilities, health programs and

services within that area which is scooped out, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a circumstance like this, I can be guided by a Cabinet decision, but I do not have to go to Cabinet because of authority that is invested in me under the statutory instrument. I can, of course, have the option of going to Cabinet to seek the overturn of a former decision if I deem that would be necessary or if I wanted to get some Cabinet direction or guidance on it, but ultimately, no. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would have a couple of options. As I indicated, I could put forward a new decision paper to Cabinet to reverse the former Cabinet decision or I could exercise my authority as I indicated under the legislation and basically, not consult with Cabinet in implementing or supporting any changes that may have been inconsistent with former Cabinet decisions. Mr. Speaker, by doing so, I would be exercising my authority by implying to amend or repeal the former decision. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to follow my colleagues and ask the questions to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, the Minister just returned from a meeting with his provincial, territorial and federal counterparts on health. My concern today Mr. Speaker is, why was it decided not to help, financially, the Hepatitis C sufferers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is a serious, complex issue. There was a decision actually by provincial, territorial and federal health Ministers to work toward providing a financial assistance package to Hepatitis C affected individuals. The issue, quite frankly, I have to be careful because there is some sensitivity in negotiations going on between the federal government and my provincial and territorial colleagues in respect to who is going to contribute what toward this program and what are some of the perimeters of the program that may be offered, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during these negotiations and meetings, what is the position of the Northwest Territories government on this issue? Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is consistent with all other jurisdictions as I indicated, across the country and including the federal government. We want to try to work toward putting together a financial assistance package. There are negotiations ongoing in trying to rectify that and reach a suitable solution, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is a concern. It is a national story. The Minister was at the meetings, so it is quite informative to be able to get first-hand information from him. I want to follow up on my earlier two questions in this area. Could the Minister tell us how many people, indeed, in the Northwest Territories would fall under the Hepatitis C package, that hopefully, is underway in negotiations?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our jurisdiction has had very limited exposure in respect to actual individuals who may be impacted as a result of this. I do not have the specific numbers but it is very small. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the last couple of days of following on the heels of that meeting, several of the Minister's provincial and territorial counterparts have made statements concerning this issue. Would the Minister be making a statement or any type of declaration on this position, on the Hepatitis C, from the Government of the NWT?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will not be making a specific one. There is one done jointly by federal/provincial/territorial Ministers. There was a communique outlined over the last two days, but there was one Monday evening for the provincial/territorial Ministers and there was one yesterday from the federal/provincial/territorial Ministers which outlines our positions. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd. It is in regard to the pay equity issue and the statement of facts that were advertised in the newspaper under a GNWT banner. I am looking for some clarity, Mr. Speaker, on a statement made where the Minister talks about the $9 million portion of the budget to implement the new Hay Job Evaluation System. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister is, will the $9 million be paid out as part of the ongoing resolution of this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In fact, I would like to take a couple of minutes to explain, and I think it is important, because it gives everybody clarity about what the offer we put on the table was. There was a $25 million retroactivity offer that is the money that is owed to people from the past. It was calculated based on the Hay and Associates Group that it would be an ongoing cost for our principle service of $9 million. Unless we come to some agreement on the job evaluations, this $9 million would, in fact, not be spent. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following up on the meetings that were held with the Minister of Health in Ottawa, we were hoping to have some clarity on the issue of federal funding and financing for the two major hospital projects which the federal government has a commitment on the table to help us out with. Could the Minister update us at this time about his meetings with his federal counterpart as to what is happening with this situation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at the meeting in Toronto that I just returned from, the two main agenda items were the hepatitis C potential financial assistance package and the establishment of a Canadian blood service to take over the responsibilities from the Canadian Red Cross Society. Those were the two major national issues that we had to deal with. I did not have a chance and I would not, quite frankly, bring it up with the federal Minister, the outstanding issue of the Inuvik and Iqaluit hospital financing agreements because there is still work being done at an official level on it. I have indicated in the past and it is coming close to a resolution. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have never had an opportunity to attend one of these ministerial conferences, but I have been at other meetings and I do know that there is a lot of networking that goes on between colleagues. I did understand from the Minister in questioning in this House and with the Hansard review, I think I will be proven correct but he did say he would be talking to his federal counterpart but he did not specifically say at that meeting. Following up on that, Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Minister that indeed, when you are looking at $50 or $60 or $70 million coming from the federal government, it would be a major priority of this government and you would hope they would have some discussion on it. When does the Minister finally think we are going to have some closure on how much money is actually going to come from the federal government on the commitment for the two facilities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ng.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, it is not $60 or $70 million the honourable Member refers to. There is, as I indicated, discussions ongoing with our officials right now and it is coming close to resolution. There is no point, Mr. Speaker, in myself as a Minister speaking to the federal Health Minister unless we cannot resolve this issue at a bureaucratic level. I do not see the need, as I indicated, unless there is a breakdown in negotiations and an impasse which has to be settled politically. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again, for clarity purposes, I have a lot of concern in my riding concerning this project and people keep continuing to ask me what the amount and dollar values are. The Minister just said it was not $60 or $70 million, so what is the value? Someone must have an idea. Give us an approximate value of what is being discussed during these ongoing negotiations since 1988 when this agreement was first signed. Thank you.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot, as I indicated, there are negotiations between federal officials and GNWT officials right now on finalizing the amounts, some of the structure around the timing of the payment and what financing agreement can be put in place to deal with this issue. I am not at liberty now to throw out, at this date, what figures they are discussing because it is still under negotiation. It is coming close to resolution. I would be glad to update the Member and this House once it is resolved. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not trying to debate the Minister. I am just trying to follow on the questions. We have been asking these questions for two years, and we always keep hearing the same thing, negotiations, negotiations, negotiations. The agreement, like I said before, was signed in 1988. My final supplementary question, Mr. Speaker, is when would the negotiations be finalized and when does the Minister expect to be able to tell this House and this Member, when these dollar values and the completion of these negotiations will be able to come forward in this House and let the people know? That is a legitimate question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. I will rule the question out of order. The question has already been repeated and has been answered.

--Applause

Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, I think I have tried on numerous occasions to reassure people across the territories, that as Finance Minister, I was reasonably confident that we are going to get the levels of funding we would require to deliver the current levels of service. The executive director of the NWT Construction Association was on the radio this morning indicating this fear about the lack of funding, et cetera. I simply do not know where that kind of nonsensical rhetoric comes from. The reality is, we are in sensitive negotiations with respect to formula financing. I have tried to assure this House and everybody else that we are fairly confident it is going reasonably well. I have full confidence we are going to get adequate levels of funding east and west, based upon the status quo in the west that we all agreed to and based upon Footprints in the Snow in the east. At the officials level, there is a meeting being held either this week or next week in Rankin Inlet. I appreciate the fact they want my home riding and I thank them for that. We are close, as they say in the round numbers, achieving the goal that all parties can sign on to and, hopefully, be able to make a statement in April or May to reassure the east and west that adequate funding will be there. Thank you.

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

Mr. Todd.

If everybody will remember, it was at my insistence as the Finance Minister, that we do not do exactly that, split the existing budget, that we cost two new governments. The federal Finance Minister, the Honourable Paul Martin, agreed to that and I thank him for that. That is the process we have underway. We are very close to making an arrangement that all parties will be able to sign on to. I want to remind the people of the territories out there and those advocacy groups who are listening, especially the ones who occasionally do not appear to be, all parties are at the table, the western coalition, the GNWT, the Interim Commissioner and our colleagues at the federal level, the federal government. All parties will have to sign off on the two new formulas. I am confident that all parties are representing our interests to the best of their ability and we will have adequate funding for two new territories as I outlined in my previous answer to my honourable colleague's questions. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would believe that the department and boards would continue to have ongoing dialogue enhancing their working relationship with those non-profit organizations as we do recognize how important they are in our health and social services system throughout the territories, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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