Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up more on my questions earlier to Mr. Arlooktoo. I understand the unified courts are a new and exciting development, one of the things to look forward to as we move toward Nunavut. My question, is how realistic, is it for the unification of the courts to happen and what is the progress? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Justice, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The proposed unified court system for Nunavut was the other main topic I had discussed with the Federal Minister of Justice, Anne McLellan, and the Minister of DIAND, Jane Stewart, two days ago. What I would like to say as a general statement is that the unification of courts is, as the Member says, an exciting venture, He asked how realistic it is. It is quite realistic to have the unification of the courts happen in the next year or so. What we have is a political agreement from all the parties, the GNWT, NTI, the federal government, of course, all of the original and all the political groups have advocated the unification of the courts, approve of this. Of course, there are always some hints of caution and concerns in specific areas, but overall, it is something politically, that we can move forward on. Practically, it does look quite good that it will be able to happen. One of the basic principles of unifying the courts is the view of the public which is a judge is a judge is a judge. That is, when a judge comes into a community, a territorial court judge cannot hear supreme court cases and this case would not be heard for another several months. People do not understand. In some cases it does not make sense. Therefore, this would help as far as ensuring swift justice and that there

are efficiencies in the system. Therefore, the federal Minister of Justice will be introducing, soon I understand, proposed changes to the Criminal Code that are required and some changes to regulations that would be required to make this happen. It is one of the things that is quite exciting and new as we move toward Nunavut. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am directing my other question to the Minister of Transportation. I understand the icebreaking services are of critical importance to ensure safe shipping to the north. Residents and businesses depend on marine transportation during the short Arctic navigation season. We often have services and ice conditions which are very unpredictable. Can the Minister inform the House what he is doing to ensure shipping interests receive adequate levels of icebreaking support to carry out critical deliveries and exports in the north? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the federal government has the mandate to provide icebreaking services for vessels operating in the Northwest Territories and in the Arctic. The Department of Transportation is assured by the federal government, especially the Department of Oceans and Fisheries, the service that requires the icebreaking support will continue to be delivered while, where and as required. We recognize it is a very essential service and the role that shipping plays, in the economy, and resupply of the Arctic for communities and businesses in the Northwest Territories. We have worked in cooperation with the coast guard and we did some hydrographic surveys. We are continuing to finish off some of that this summer. We have also made arrangements which we are all aware of the special resupply regiments that we have, such as in Pelly Bay to improve safety and reduce costs and assist in offsetting the cost of operating the larger icebreakers in the north. Thank you.

One oral question, then, question period is over. Mr. Barnabas, supplementary.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Icebreaking support will continue to be of critical importance in the Nunavut Government in the future. We depend more heavily on marine transportation than other regions of the Northwest Territories. Can the Minister ensure that the developing Government of Nunavut is involved in the process and decision-making? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is correct that this government will continue to be involved in the shipping and coast guard activity in the north. The Department of Transportation has a seat on the Arctic Marine Advisory Board and we are there, along with shipping companies and other Arctic marine interests. This board meets about two or three times a year to discuss important matters such as icebreaking. In addition, the department is a regular member of the Canadian Marine Advisory Committee for the north. There are Inuit members as well as Inuvialuit members on this board and they have regular meetings. In addition, once the Nunavut government sets up, the deputy minister which is responsible for transportation will be involved in these meetings and on these boards as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral question period is over. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled Section 11, Potential Conflicts of Interest, Provisions and the Confidential Offering Memorandum, Aurora Fund II. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motions for first reading of bills. Mr. Ng.

BILL 15 Adoption Act HON. KELVIN NG: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, February 27, 1998, I will move that Bill 15, the Adoption Act, be read for the first time.

Thank you. Notices of motions for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters Bill 8, Appropriation Act, 1998-99; Bill 11, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 1997-98; Bill 14, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act; Committee Report 2-13(5); Committee Report 3-13(5); Committee Report 4-13(5); Committee Report 5-13(5); Committee Report 6-13(5); Tabled Document 15-13(5); Tabled Document 19-13(5). With Mr. Ningark in the Chair.

I would like to call the committee to order. We have a number of matters on Item 19. I would like to know what is the wish of the committee? Mr. Ootes.

Do we agree we will continue to deal with considering Bill 8, Committee Reports 2, 3 and 5 and continue on with Health and Social Services if we are able to conclude, then subsequently with Transportation and RWED? Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. We shall continue. Before we go into considering the 1998-99 Main Estimates, Health and Social Services, I would like to ask the honourable Minister, if you wish to bring in witnesses?

Yes, Mr. Chairman.