Thank you, Mr. Ng. Mr. Dent, your point of privilege.

Point of Privilege

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Your point of privilege has been noted. Also, your point of privilege should be based on response to the report on CBC. Just to remind the Member he might have gone on a bit too long.

--Applause

Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for the NWT Workers' Compensation Board, it is my pleasure today to table the board's corporate plan for 1998-2000.

The corporate plan provides a template which will guide the WCB's operations over the next three years. It represents the first step in a comprehensive planning process that translates into an action plan for management and personal objectives for staff.

Once again, this strategic plan is based on very solid footing. Responsible board management decisions and strong investments have allowed the NWT Workers' Compensation Board to make plans with the assurance of a fully funded accident fund.

This strong financial position enabled the WCB to reduce the average employer assessment rate in 1997, and again in 1998. Only three years ago, the average rate was $2.54 per $100 of assessable payroll. It fell, this year, to $1.87 per $100, the fourth lowest in Canada.

By the same token, this House approved a bill last fall to increase the year's maximum insurable remuneration (the YMIR) to $52,000. This will enable the WCB to fully compensate 75 percent of full-time workers who are injured in the Northwest Territories.

A supplementary pension increase of 1.82 percent was awarded to WCB pensioners last year and a further increase of 1.78 percent was approved for 1998. These adjustments will allow pensioners to keep up with increases in the cost of living.

Mr. Speaker, these are tangible measurements of the WCB's success. It follows that many of the strategic directions identified in past corporate plans are reaffirmed in this document.

Improving workplace safety will remain an important objective. The board will continue to focus its efforts on those industries and sectors with the highest accident rates and on promoting partnerships with workers and employers.

The WCB will also continue to strive for the highest possible level of service. Alternative methods of program delivery will be explored and existing initiatives will be evaluated to ensure they meet their stated objectives. Communication with stakeholders will continue to be a top priority.

Mr. Speaker, while this document reflects the WCB's current level of success, it also acknowledges that the WCB must respond to a rapidly changing environment.

In the next three years, the WCB will work hard to clarify its roles, responsibilities and accountability. The development of an effective board governance structure is crucial to ensuring that the financial, Legislative and program challenges facing the board are dealt with in a responsible manner.

Most importantly, the board must work to project the interests of its stakeholders during the creation of the two new territories. The WCB will co-operate with representatives of the west and Nunavut to facilitate a smooth transition. In the end result, I am sure all Members want a Workers' Compensation Board which will provide efficient and cost effective service in both jurisdictions after April 1, 1999.

Mr. Speaker, the WCB's Corporate Plan for 1998-2000 reflects the combined dedication of the board of directors, management and staff to meet the challenges of workers' compensation which will face us going into the twenty-first century. I encourage my colleagues to read this document. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Todd. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my very great pleasure to rise today in this Assembly to congratulate the community of Gjoa Haven.

Last Friday I flew into the community, along with the MLA for Natilikmiot, Mr. John Ningark and senior staff of the Housing Corporation, to sign the agreement transferring the management and administration of the Social Housing Program from the Housing Corporation to the hamlet. Although my visit was brief, it was a pleasure because the whole community was proud to be taking a major step toward accepting more responsibility for how local housing decisions are made.

Mr. Speaker, I believe transferring more program authority for housing to the community level is the way to go in the future. It is an opportunity for communities to take greater control of their own destiny. I believe the mayor of Gjoa Haven, Michael Angottitauruq Sr. and council should be commended for their vision, as should the members and staff of the former Housing Association, because it is only through their cooperative approach that this transfer was possible.

As the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, I wish to sincerely thank the mayor, hamlet council and all of the community for being our hosts on Friday night. The community events, including the formal signing ceremony itself were very enjoyable and demonstrated the warmth and friendship of a community which was very proud to be taking greater control of their own lives. I hope that more communities will follow Gjoa Haven, and the example set by other communities, by working with the NWT Housing Corporation to assume greater local control over social housing.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I believe that we should reflect on the positive outcome of our community empowerment initiative. Through hard work and cooperation between the GNWT and communities, everyone will benefit from the investment in community self-reliance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Arlooktoo. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

I will speak in my first language, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. (Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Goo Arlooktoo on behalf of Gjoa Haven for attending the social housing transfer signing ceremonies. We were made welcome by the people of Gjoa Haven and the people of Gjoa Haven were very happy to see the Minister in their community. The Minister indicated earlier what we did in Gjoa Haven, but I would like to thank Mr. Arlooktoo personally because he had asked me to accompany him to Gjoa Haven. I did not pay my airfare myself, Mr. Speaker, so I would like to thank the Minister.

--Laughter

I would like to thank Mr. Arlooktoo very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize a very special individual from my home community of Arviat. Thomas Ubluriak is known as Arviat's unofficial weatherman. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the weather can be very unpredictable. It is almost as unpredictable as politics. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that when Environment Canada has trouble forecasting the weather, they call on my friend Thomas for advice. Ninety-nine percent of the time, Thomas' weather predictions are accurate. He shares his knowledge of the weather without using any modern technology, without any formal training in this area. In addition to being Arviat's unofficial weatherman, Thomas also helps out at the Roman Catholic Church as one of the lay presiders. He is employed at the hamlet of Arviat as a water truck driver and his favourite pastime is dog mushing, a tradition which he continues to enjoy and promote. Mr. Speaker, hats off to Thomas Ubluriak.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have raised the issue of non-insured health benefits before in this House. The NIHB has recently had some major changes. I understand that approximately 640 previous prescription and off-the-shelf drugs are no longer listed or covered under the NIHB. To my knowledge, there was no press release, communiqué or media advisory to let the general public know about this. Most people only found out about it when they went to their local pharmacy.

Mr. Speaker, was our territorial Department of Health advised of these changes prior to them coming into force? Was our government consulted on the changes? The federal government continues to download costs to the residents and we seemingly roll over on the issues. I am of the understanding that the changes made to prescriptions and drugs were because there are cheaper substitutes available in the marketplace. That may be, but are they available at our northern pharmacies here in the north?

For example, Mr. Speaker, if hypothetically hydroxyl is available and is under the NIHB, why would a pharmacy stock an equivalent drug, for example, amberflin. Our doctors probably prescribe the drugs or prescriptions that are readily available, not necessarily what is cheaper or a substitute. The approximate 640 over-the-counter and prescription drugs that are no longer under the NIHB should have been listed and supplied to our medical practitioners. Has that been done?

Mr. Speaker, I would hope that our Minister for Health will and has addressed these concerns with his federal counterpart and later today, I will be asking the Minister some questions on this matter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Picco. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the Lahm Ridge Tower leasing arrangement that was recently made. Mr. Speaker, I have listened to many statements and questions made in this House and also had people call me and talk to me about this, a lot of them, because of things that have been raised in here I have taken the time to talk to several people that were involved and, Mr. Speaker, I am satisfied with the explanations that I have received. However, there still seems to be Members and the public who have questions, and of course, they deserve answers to those questions. There was a document tabled on January 28th which attempted to answer the questions that are being asked. The problem is that document was not detailed enough. I would urge the Minister responsible for this area to provide us with a more detailed explanation, a more detailed chronology of events with reasoning, more reasoning, as to why each step was taken. Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of questions that have been asked and a lot of answers given. People need to see all this in one document, explanation with dates and reasoning. Mr. Speaker, I believe this would help lay this issue to rest, and let us get on with proactive work such as dealing with the budget, and improving programs and services and making government more efficient and effective. Thank you.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, the community of Broughton Island would like to have an access road to Old Broughton Island. An access road is important to the community. Old Broughton Island needs a more sheltered location from the community that allows for a longer boating season. This will allow the community to hunt and fish for a longer period of time as the water around Old Broughton Island is open longer than the water near the community. Hunting, trapping and fishing are important to the economy of Broughton Island. It is also the only form of income for many people. Hunting, trapping and fishing also puts food on the table for the community. If you do not have a skidoo or an ATV, it is difficult to get to Old Broughton Island, not everyone has a skidoo or an ATV. Mr. Speaker, the community of Broughton Island needs an access road to Old Broughton Island. Thank you.

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

Members' statement. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to talk about the comments I heard this morning made by the president of the UNW. Firstly, however, I would like say, for the record, that I do believe in pay equity along with fairness and equality of all government employees. Listening to the president's talk this morning made me wonder as to how we will ever reach an agreement on this issue. In her interview, in my opinion, she is refusing to look at anything this government is attempting to offer. It is no wonder we continue to fight to achieve our goals of a balanced budget. During these times of restraints and deficit reductions, we must work together and both sides must compromise to a degree. One cannot expect this government to give them the world, when we only have a small territory. This, in my opinion, is what she is after.

I do realize that the UNW is not the only group at fault, and this government should do its part to ensure this important issue is resolved. I do think it is her responsibility to her members to ensure a fair deal is done, and it is also her responsibility to her members to finalize this issue. To start negotiating is the way to finally bring this to rest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statement. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Krutko.

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. My question is directed to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. In Pond Inlet in June, 1997, hunters who were temporarily employed took some students out on a field trip. There were 11 students, along with the five hunters and their teacher. They got stranded on some ice and got carried away from their travelling equipment. They lost their snowmobiles including their sleds and tents. They had to leave everything behind. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that each adult individual lost at least $10,000 worth of hunting and camping equipment that they owned. The hunters did not endeavour the trip on their own as they were employed by the Education Department to take the students out. Can the Minister give us an update as to what has happened since their safe return? Has the department received any claims for coverage for their loss and, if so, are the hunters being considered to receive compensation for their equipment? I would appreciate an immediate response from the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Oral questions. Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I shall be speaking my native language. My question will be directed to the Minister of Housing Corporation, the Honourable Goo Arlooktoo. Last year, Mr. Speaker, there were a number of houses that were occupied through the public housing arrangement. Last year the rent scales were not increased and this was good for the tenants. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister of the Housing Corporation is, the houses that are being rented by the tenants, do we expect the rent scale to remain the same or do you anticipate an increase in their rent? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

The Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Arlooktoo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year the housing rental scales occupied by tenants was reviewed and we put an end to any further increases at that time. However, I can say that we are close to finalizing the review and we will make a decision in the next week or so as to what we want to do with the rental scales. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for NWT Housing Corporation. I have a supplemental. Perhaps the Minister can indicate to me as to whether there will be an increase and, if so, will they be applied in different levels to the tenants, but will the rental increases be uniform across the territories? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Mr. Arlooktoo, I heard two questions.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am afraid I cannot answer the questions in detail at this time, but I can say, however, that when we readjusted the rental scales a year ago, we tried to make them uniform in all the communities. The only differences being the cost of living and the fluctuation of the food basket rates, Mr. Speaker. Those were the only factors that we had to consider in applying the rental scales. Once I receive the information, I will make an announcement to the MLAs in the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in reference to my earlier statement on the NIHB. My question will be addressed to the Minister for the Department of Health. Was our Department of Health aware or privy to discussions surrounding deletion of the approximately 640 over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions being dropped from the NIHB? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Non-Insured Health Benefit Program is administered by the GNWT on behalf of Medical Services Branch of Health and Welfare Canada. It is a specific program for aboriginal peoples throughout the country. I can say that some discussions on the changes took place, but those discussions took place directly between Medical Services Branch, the Health and Welfare Canada officials and the aboriginal organizations who received the benefits on behalf of their constituents. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, are the drugs that are no longer available under the NIHB that have been and can be replaced by substitutes readily available in the north? Has the GNWT checked to see if this is, indeed, the case? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I cannot speak on specifics on every individual item that is listed and whether it is or is not available. Suffice it to say, I think the pharmacies in the Northwest Territories do stock quite a number of drugs for dispensation. I cannot answer that question because of the level of the detail that the honourable Member is asking about. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if, for example, I am in Iqaluit and go to the pharmacy to get a prescription written by the doctor, if it is no longer under the NIHB and the doctor was not aware of that, when I go to the pharmacy, I have to pay for that drug. As an example, if hydroxyl is available under the NIHB, that would be paid for. Mr. Speaker, my question is, there is approximately 640 over-the-counter prescription drugs that are no longer under the NIHB, has that list been sent to our medical practitioners here in the Northwest Territories so they know what drugs are under the NIHB?

Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have the answer with me as well. I can find out and advise the Member accordingly. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think it is strange, Mr. Speaker, that we do not know which drugs are available and which ones are under the NIHB. I would follow up then with the Minister and ask him a supplemental question. I would request that his other commitment just now that it comes back so I can make reference to it. Has the GNWT tried to communicate with the public on the changes if there is any implication to them on the drugs that have been taken out of the NIHB? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. I heard two questions. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no we have not. As I indicated at the start, quite frankly, this is a federal Medical Services Branch, Health and Welfare Canada program that they provide to aboriginal peoples across the country. We administer the payment aspect on behalf of Health and Welfare Canada. We are not privy to making the decisions of what is or is not covered. That is totally at the discretion of the medical services branch. They directly consult with the aboriginal organizations as to the impacts and which services are provided and which services and coverage are or are not to be provided. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate what my honourable colleague is saying and I did look into this matter when he had, rightly so, been investigating it for his constituent. There are rules and procedures that the WCB board of directors have put in place and there are some conditions set for lump sum payments. I think the only thing I could say to my honourable colleague is, it is a quasi-independent judicial board, with limited ministerial involvement. I think I would be prepared to sit down with the new chair of the board, Ms. Joanne Deneron, and see if they would be prepared to once again take a look at the policy they have in place for lump sum payments and see if there is some way in which they could not only consider this particular instance, but others. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would be only too happy to have a discussion with the new chair, Ms. Joanne Deneron, of the Workers' Compensation Board with respect to the comments raised by my honourable colleague in relationship to the concerns his constituent has. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Mr. Todd.

As I always do, Mr. Speaker, when I am asked important questions and I am unable, which is not that often in this House by my honourable colleagues, I will move expeditiously to deal with the issue and report back to my colleague, as I frequently do, some time earlier in the morning, later on next week. I would not want to imply that I am going to be able to give him necessarily the answer he wants. What I have said is, I will discuss the matter with the chair of the board, and ultimately, really, the board makes the decision on what the rules and regulations and policies are in the manner related to cash payouts on pensions. I will bring forward, as quickly as possible, the concerns raised by my colleague that I raised actually, many years ago when I was sitting on the Workers' Compensation Board. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. The Minister might be aware of it. Do you wish to respond? The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ootes.

There has been a petition filed through a judicial body and I do not know how much of this the Minister wants to respond to. On this, I would be careful. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Ootes.

Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation, Mr. Todd. Earlier today, my honourable colleague from Thebacha referred to this legislation as being draconian. Mr. Speaker, I would add the word archaic also. My question to the Minister is, when was this legislation last looked at? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, maybe I missed something on the way to the Assembly today. Is this not the same WCB that has a fully-funded accident and pension fund? Is this not the same WCB that has reduced the rates to an all-time low in the Northwest Territories to the employers?

--Applause

Is this not the same WCB that has increased the benefits not only to the workers but to pensions? Archaic? I would probably say it is state of the art in terms of its ability to function.

--Applause

In response to my honourable colleague's question about when were the last changes made to the Workers' Compensation Board legislation, I do not know. I will have to look into it. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is nice to hear a nice, calm Minister for a change. I am not sure if he referred to state of the ark or state of the art. Mr. Speaker, my reason for asking the Minister about how long it has been since this legislation has been revised, he talks about this organization that is financially healthy. No one can dispute that. It is in great shape. Mr. Speaker, it seems to be able to collect finances from employers and also, it seems it can also get finances from employees. When I refer to the legislation as being archaic, this is the only legislation in the country which allows the Workers' Compensation Board, an organization set up for the protection of workers, to take members that it is supposed to protect, to court. I am wondering, will the Minister consider giving direction, as he had earlier on today, for his board to take a look at this act from the point of view of trying to bring it into the 21st century where it is meant to protect the people it is set up to serve? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Just a warning to the Members, I have been requested to start applying the rules of the House more stringently. Just as a warning that I intend to do that. I will ask the Members that when they do ask their question, that they have a preamble and then, three supplementaries to that preamble. I will cut-off the Members if they continue with their preamble into their second, third and fourth questions. Mr. Todd.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. In fact, the Workers' Compensation Board has been looking at legislation and clearly understands the need for significant changes because there has not been change, I suspect, for close to ten years. I want to be accurate in responding to the crown jewel of the Northwest Territories government. They have a significant amount of money, and a certain amount of work on the need for legislative change. However, as my honourable colleague knows, there are 14 months left. We have some important legislation that we have to get through on that. Sure, a major change, if it was significant in legislative change to the WCB, would be able to get on the legislative agenda at this time because of other priorities. I can tell my colleague, and I am prepared to share with him if he wishes, some of the changes that the WCB have recommended to me that they feel are required to bring the Workers' Compensation Board legislation into the 21st century.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

--Laughter

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister did give a lot of information, but I am not sure whether he insisted or suggested he would have the board take a look at that legislation. Could I ask the Minister to clarify if he would, indeed, have the ministry look at the legislation as a whole from the points that the previous Minister asked?

Mr. Todd.

To cut a long story short, Mr. Speaker, in fact, the board of directors have looked at the legislative change that they feel is necessary to bring the Workers' Compensation Board into the 21st century. What I was saying was, given the short time left in this Legislature, and given the Legislative agenda that we have that is choked right up, it has been my decision at this time not to bring it forward. I will discuss the matter with my honourable colleague. Frankly, given the time we have left and given some of the serious priorities - and I am not suggesting this is not one - but there are other ones that are of greater priority we have had to leave this one in abeyance. Certainly, if there was the will out there to move forward, the desire to cooperate and the time available; we would only be too happy to move that legislation forward. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

Can I ask the Member to rephrase his question. The question is asking the Minister to confirm or deny a report that was heard on the radio this morning. Perhaps you can rephrase your question. Mr. Roland.

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

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I would like to answer it this way. Yesterday, I tried to clearly point out to the public, the UNW and to northern residents what this government thinks is a fair, affordable settlement that puts money in the hands of our employees that rightly belongs to them. It is clear as far as I am concerned anyway if, in fact, $25 million as has been stated is ten percent of what the union believes is an appropriate settlement, then they are talking $250 million. Frankly, Mr. Speaker, it is just simply not on.

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

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think it is important, first of all, to say to the UNW to challenge them, to bring forward what they think is a fair, affordable settlement. We have put ours forward. I think it is fair; I think it is affordable and I believe with careful fiscal management of this government we can find the dollars, the $25 million in retroactivity and the $9 million on ongoing costs to our wages and benefits package. I challenge in a serious way and in a professional way instead of the kind of rhetoric words like insulting people, et cetera. I have spoken in this House frequently in a professional way, in an honest endeavour to reach a negotiated, fair, affordable settlement. I say to you today that what we have put on the table is what we can afford, nothing more, nothing less.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. Mr. Speaker, there is a trade delegation that will be travelling to my communities and also, I believe, to Yellowknife and Iqaluit from Manitoba. I would like to ask the Minister if the memorandum of understanding that was signed, I believe a year and a half ago by our Premier and the Premier of Manitoba, if that will be discussed during this visit? Thank you.

Thank you. The Minister responsible for Resource, Wildlife and Economic Development. Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I passed on an information item to the Member yesterday indicating that the trade delegation from Manitoba including some of the political and business leadership would be in the Northwest Territories on the 16th, 17th, 18th and would visit Rankin Inlet, Yellowknife, Iqaluit and Arviat and extending an invitation if the Members so wish to attend these meetings.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not recall seeing that, but is the Minister saying that the Members will have an opportunity to meet the delegation and sit down and discuss various issues with them? Thank you.

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the Member looks on his desk, I did send two packages over yesterday morning. I know that the Member from Iqaluit did receive one because he commented on it. I did send another package, but I do not have a copy of the one that I had right in front of me. The answer is yes if other MLAs wish to attend the meeting or the other functions that are planned. As I

understand it most if not all of the events, will be public and available for MLAs and others to attend. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Last year and within this year, the access program has run into problems. Apparently the homeowners are having difficulties building these homes. I am wondering what the situation is really like. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)