Thank you, Mr. Roland. Good afternoon. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise the Members that the Honourable Charles Dent will be absent from the House for the remainder of the week to attend the Third National Forum on Education in St. John's, Newfoundland. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Kelvin Ng will be absent from the House today due to illness. Mr. Speaker, I also wish to advise Members that I will be absent from the House on Friday, May 29th, to attend a meeting of Ministers responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety in Edmonton on behalf of the Honourable Jim Antoine.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. I understand that Mr. Antoine and Mr. Kakfwi are just on their way from the airport. They will be here. Mr. Morin, are you going to do their statements?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, their plane was late so they will be here in a few minutes. Mr. Speaker, developing partnerships with community organizations is a key ingredient in the success of our wildlife management programs. Today, I am pleased to provide Members with an update on a successful management project in Fort Resolution involving the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and the Deninu Ku'e First Nation.

For the past several years, community members have been working on a plan to repopulate the Hook Lake area with bison that are free from brucellosis and tuberculosis. There used to be several thousand bison in the Hook Lake area, but due to these diseases, the population is now only a few hundred animals. In the past three years, 62 healthy bison calves have been captured near Hook Lake and brought to a large corral near Fort Resolution. Here, they are tested, treated with antibiotics and vaccinated. The 22 calves that were captured this spring will be held for a year before they are released into a larger corral with 38 adults from previous captures.

Mr. Speaker, this year's capture marks the end of the first phase of this project. During the coming years, the 60 captive bison will be allowed to breed. In five years, there could be as many as 150 disease-free bison in corrals near Fort Resolution, enough to form the basis for a healthy herd which can be reintroduced into the Hook Lake area.

In the meantime, residents of the community will consider what to do with the remaining bison in the wild. Many are likely infected with brucellosis and tuberculosis, and until they are removed, the healthy animals captured during the past three years cannot be returned to their natural home.

Mr. Speaker, the Hook Lake Bison Recovery Project is another example of the government's leadership in effective, responsible wildlife management. It points to the success of working in partnership with community organizations such as the Aboriginal Wildlife Harvesters Committee, which is made up of the Deninu Ku'e First Nation and the Metis Nation Local. This project also demonstrates our commitment to providing a sustainable resource for future generations of northerners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, this year I would like to ask the Members of the Legislative Assembly to help launch the Small Boat Safety Awareness Program for 1998. The program is an educational initiative aimed at improving public awareness of water and boating safety. Since 1995, the Department of Transportation has managed the program's delivery in the Northwest Territories for the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard. The Northwest Territories has the highest rate of drowning fatalities per capita in Canada. Many, if not all, of these drownings are preventable and prevention is the aim of the Small Boat Safety Program.

Each spring, people from the many organizations participating in the program attend the training seminar. The number of participating organizations has grown over the years to include the Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs; National Defence; Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; the Canadian Red Cross; Sports North; NWT Canoeing Association; NWT Hunters and Trappers Association; NWT Coast Guard Auxiliary; the Yellowknife Fire Department and both Students Against Drinking and Driving groups at St. Patrick and Sir John Franklin High schools in Yellowknife.

The program enlists people in the communities to teach our young people about the importance and proper use of boating safety equipment, safe loading limits for passengers and cargo, as well as the use of a boat's power rating to match the boat and the motor properly. All our territorial schools are visited before summer begins. As the boating season progresses, meetings are held with Hunters and Trappers Associations, yacht clubs and the general public. Last year, the Small Boat Safety Program reached 20,000 people in 44 communities across the Northwest Territories.

The target audience for 1998 will again be our children. Most boating fatalities are alcohol related and involve young men between 16 and 35 years of age. The program directs its message at young people, so that as they grow up and before they reach the critical age group, safe boating is already part of their thinking.

You will remember PUKTA, the Water Safety Bear, from last year's program launch. The Canadian Coast Guard has adopted PUKTA as its mascot and PUKTA now appears regularly across Canada promoting water safety. Several Members of the Assembly made public service announcements that were broadcast through the boating season on TVNC and CBC North with great success. This year, there are already a variety of public service announcements related to water safety playing on television.

I am pleased to invite you to take part in the launching of the 1998 Program in the Great Hall during this afternoon's break. The presentation is centred on the viewing of some public service videos on water safety.

Mr. Speaker, the growing interest of communities in taking a greater part in the Small Boat Safety Awareness Program indicates its success. As the season progresses, you will see more and more communities taking the lead in encouraging water and boating safety in their areas. I know that Members are with me in hoping that the Small Boat Safety Awareness Program contributes to a safe, accident-free boating season this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.

Now that the Sahtu and Gwich'in land claims have been settled, oil and gas exploration in the Mackenzie Valley is well underway. The last three years have resulted in the awarding of 14 exploration licences, with selected companies proposing to spend a minimum of $50 million over the term of their licences. Oil and gas exploration has also been occurring in the Liard region since 1994. Fourteen exploration licences have been awarded. This significant amount of investment sends a very important signal of the resource potential of the region and its increasing role in the economic development of the Mackenzie Valley.

Over the last year, communities in the Sahtu and numerous oil companies have been negotiating land access and benefits agreements, as required by land claim settlements. Tulita has recently announced successful agreements with Cascade Oil and Gas and Imperial Oil. These agreements will pave the way for exploratory drilling to begin next winter.

In the Fort Good Hope region, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is mediating between the community and Alberta Energy on access to Alberta Energy's exploration licence. It is anticipated that an agreement can be reached in time for next winter's exploration season.

Mr. Speaker, the oil and gas industry is, and will continue to be, a critical driver of economic development in the Liard and Sahtu regions. Through the provision of meaningful benefits and the development of valuable infrastructures, communities in these regions will have more opportunities to grow and prosper. In the gas industry, the current development of the Ikhil gas field to supply natural gas to Inuvik is a successful example of northerners benefiting from northern resources. Mr. Speaker, our government will continue to look at new ways in which northern resources can be used to enhance other economic opportunities in the north. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with little more than 300 days left before the official creation of Nunavut, the pressure on our new government officials is at its peak. Mr. Jack Anawak, our Interim Commissioner, and the recently appointed deputy ministers and assistant deputy ministers will be sitting before a very full plate with their collective sleeves rolled up for the foreseeable future.

Mr. Speaker, I have every confidence that each of these individuals will do their best to meet their objectives, to oversee a smooth transition of government services, and carry out the daily responsibilities of the new Nunavut government. Yes, Mr. Speaker, there will be wrinkles and hurdles to overcome.

Unfortunately, there have been a lot of criticism and voices of doom from various quarters regarding our officials and their ability to meet the time lines and to get the new government up and running. Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of anything more destructive to the success of a new government than a barrage of negative comments and ongoing criticism unless, of course, it is constructive criticism.

Mr. Speaker, one only has to listen to the radio and watch television to see that even long established government and their Members have their differences and uphill battles in their efforts to provide effective and efficient government. Differences are to be expected, but they can and should be discussed in a respectful manner as they are usually resolved more effectively and in a friendly and cooperative environment. Mr. Speaker, I believe this is the Nunavut way.

Considering the daunting work load our Interim Commissioner and deputy ministers are facing, I think we should make every effort to work with them and support their staff. They are not, after all, merely sitting on their duffs doing nothing. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we need to keep an eye on the big picture, and that is Nunavut. Nunavut citizens have dreamed, planned and worked for a very long time to set up their own government. We cannot allow petty egos and resentments to slow down this process. After all, Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut dream is at our doorstep. Thank you.

--Applause

Members' statements. Ms. 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.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the past two days, we have been discussing and debating the state of education in the NWT. All indications seem to point out that things have not been good in the NWT for the past ten years, although some Members have reported positively that we have come a long way. I think it is important to point out that we may have some serious problems in the area of education.

Mr. Speaker, some of the rationale has pointed out why things have not progressed as they should in the area of education. In the report we have received from Members, leaders, parents and politicians, some are more compelling than inspiring, vice versa. Mr. Speaker, some Members have indicated that some improvisions have to be made or conceded in order to deliver basic or special education. I think we have to think and realize what is happening in education. Some of the indications that came out from Members in the area of inadequacy of funds, erosions, Mr. Speaker, of pay and benefits to staff, overcrowding in the classrooms, language programs not meeting the need in schools, and there are no or hardly any prospects of graduates having to find a job in the end after their graduation.

We have to ask the questions. What is the problem here, Mr. Speaker and what are we willing to do as politicians? Perhaps each of us can give a little to the future of education, whatever volumes it holds, whatever it is perceived to be. Thank you.

--Applause

Members' statements. Mr. Evaloarjuk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to update my fellow colleagues about the trends that have been occurring in our community this past week. First, a member of the Pond Inlet community, Nellie Sangoya, passed away in the hospital in Edmonton. Her relatives, husband, children, brothers and sisters, I feel for all of them, but it cannot be helped. The other announcement I have is in my own community of Igloolik, a young man named Joda Ukaliannuk had committed suicide just this morning. This young man was my nephew. I would like to pass this information on to my fellow MLAs and I ask that we pray and send our condolences to the families involved. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Thank you, Mr. Evaloarjuk. Members' statements. Mr. Henry.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night there was a meeting held in Yellowknife for residents to discuss the issues surrounding low water levels in one of the lakes within the city. The meeting was organized by the city of Yellowknife's Department of Public Works for residents to discuss the current Range Lake water level. Mr. Speaker, the gate which controls the lake's water level was accidentally left open which resulted in water running out of the lake this spring. This caused a reduction in the lake's water level.

The lake is in the midst of a residential area in my constituency. Residents of the area have many immediate concerns about this situation, ranging from a foul stench around the lake where there is now exposed bed lake, lack of sufficient water levels to cover previously water filled areas, potential harm to water fowl which inhabit this area, and most importantly, a potential health risk due to emissions of arsenic and now exposed sediment. Mr. Speaker, the residents' concerns are all genuine and must be addressed with satisfactory answers found.

Prior to this meeting, I was made aware of some of the concerns on this matter by area residents. I also know that as of yesterday, concerns have been brought to the offices of Minister Ng and Minister Kakfwi as their offices and mine have received letters from area residents outlining their concerns. At the meeting last night, the city of Yellowknife committed to the residents to refill the lake up to acceptable levels and continue to monitor this level. Mr. Speaker, I also had discussions with Mr. Brad Colpitts. He is manager of Environmental Health for Yellowknife Health and Social Services who has also assured me that there is no immediate risk or hazard to residents of the area. His department is continuing to monitor the situation and is working with the city to bring the matter to a close. From discussions with the director of Public Works and Services within the city of Yellowknife, Mr. Gary Craig, I am also confident and assured that the city of Yellowknife is doing their utmost to replenish the water levels of this lake which, Mr. Speaker, will also eliminate any perceived potential health risk to residents and return the water levels to the previous state. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Roland.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my concern over the lack of use of all of our official aboriginal languages in public by our leaders. I agree with the Language Commissioner's Report, as we leaders do not use or promote our languages as much as we should. To this end, I can say that I do not use my language as often as I should as a leader. Considering most of my life, I have promoted and used my language as a communicator, as well as to ensure that my family does not lose this valuable piece of our culture.

It is important to know your language, so that we can communicate with elders to learn the old ways and stories, as well as, to know our roots and where we come from. Language, in all forms, is one component that makes up our diverse cultures and by having this government recognize the eight different languages as official languages is an important part of our lives. However, to ensure our languages do not die, we must use and promote them in public whenever we can. I also realize that with this government's cutbacks, we have allowed our language programs to suffer. It is up to us as leaders to ensure our future generations know and use our languages. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, considerable time and effort have been put into discussions surrounding the NWT Power Corporation. Recently, public hearings were held in Iqaluit and Yellowknife. Because of concerns with the process of what to do with the Power Corporation after division, the legislation proposal has been delayed.

Mr. Speaker, maybe we should review some of the history of the Power Corporation. Basically, the Northern Canada Power Commission was set up to provide electricity to northern residents and was a federal Crown corporation. Today, the NTPC is a territorially controlled corporation that delivers an essential service to all residents of the Northwest Territories. Some would have us believe that the Power Corporation's customers in the west are subsidizing Nunavut communities. Yesterday, the Minister responsible said, and I quote from the unedited Hansard: "Western communities are in no way subsidizing any Nunavut communities." That is from the unedited Hansard from yesterday, Mr. Speaker.

The Power Corporation is owned by all territorial residents. It was paid for by all residents. A majority of territorial residents voted for division. We did not vote to treat one area of the territories differently or unfairly. We decided as residents, endorsed by a public vote, to divide, Mr. Speaker, to divide equally. Mr. Speaker, that includes liabilities and, Mr. Speaker, that includes assets like the Power Corporation. Mr. Speaker, it is time to move past east/west rhetoric and do what is right for all residents - east and west. The Power Corporation is an asset shared equally by all residents. That is what has to be remembered after division. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Return to an oral question asked by Mr. Erasmus on May 25, 1998, with respect to red-circling under the proposed collective agreement.

The Final Settlement Offer includes the following paragraph describing what happens to employees who are red-circled:

-Employees whose March 31, 1998 salaries are greater than the salaries on the new pay schedules will have their current salary level protected by a conversion salary. This conversion salary will make up the difference between their March 31, 1998 salary and their salary on the new pay plan and will be received in addition to their base salary. As employees progress through the steps on the new grid, this conversion salary will continue to be added to their base salary.

Future increases to the new pay grid will correspondingly reduce the conversion salary, therefore gradually eliminating it.

Red-circling will work as follows:

1. If an employee's rate of pay under the proposed new job evaluation system is less than their current rate of pay at the same step on their pay range (i.e., if an employee is at step 3, and step 3 in the new pay range for the position is lower than the employees' current pay) then the new rate of pay for the employee remains the same as their current pay under the old system, but is calculated as follows:

April 1, 1998 pay = rate in new pay plan + (old rate pay - new rate of pay) For example:

Custodial Worker - Currently at Pay Level 12, Step 4 - Current Salary $36,383

Step 3 old range - Step 3 new range = $36,383 - $34,828 = $1,555.00 (conversion pay)

April 1, 1998 pay = $36,383

In addition, employees who are red-circled will receive a 2% increase in pay in 1998-99 as outlined below:

Employees whose March 31, 1998 annual salaries are greater than the April 1, 1998 annual salaries will be paid an annual amount equivalent to 2% of their March 31, 1998 annual salaries which will not be added to their March 31, 1998 salaries but which will be paid in bi-weekly instalments for the period of April 1, 1998 to March 31, 1999.

April 1, 1998 pay = $34,828 + $1,555. (conversion pay) + 2%

April 1, 1998 pay = $36,383 + $727.66

April 1, 1998 pay = $37,565.66

In addition, this employee will also be eligible for an annual increment in the year. The increment does not reduce the conversion salary.

Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a pleasure to recognize in the gallery senior administrative officer, Mr. Elwood Johnston, the most qualified person money can buy with Canadian dollars.

--Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Leah Kadluk, mayor of Grise Fiord, her daughter, Caroline, and grandchildren, Katie and Gamailie Akeeagok. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, and good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize several Canadian Coast Guard officials who are visiting us here in the Legislative Assembly today. Mr. Speaker, these gentlemen work for the Coast Guard Central and Arctic Region and are here to meet with our officials on the partnership on Marine Initiatives as well as to continue to promote and support safe and effective marine transportation across the north. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce Mr. Jim Quinn, he is the Regional Director; Mr. Dennis St. Jacques, Director of Programs; Mr. Chris Hawksworth, Director of Operations; Mr. Michele Paulin, Director of Technical Support Service; Mr. Ross MacDonald, Director of Arctic Affairs office. As well, Mr. Speaker, Ms. Sue MacDonald, from the Office of Boating Safety should be up there as well. Thank you.

--Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister responsible for Transportation and is in regard to the transfer of Arctic airports. Mr. Speaker, could the Minister tell the House exactly what are the criteria communities must meet and also what resources they would need in order to successfully take on this responsibility? Thank you.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is somewhat of a detailed question of exactly what the criteria and resources are. I do not have that information at my fingertips. I will have to take this question as notice. Thank you.

The question is taken as notice. Oral questions. Mr. Krutko.

The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Kakfwi.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Mr. Kakfwi?

Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.

The Minister responsible for Public Utilities. I am not too sure. Could I get some direction from the Premier, please?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Antoine will answer that question. Thank you.

Thank you. The Minister responsible for Public Works and Services, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the honourable Member was talking about a World Trade Organization motion, which I am not aware of. It is not a document tabled in the House, so I am not familiar with the document. However, understanding the Member's statement in regard to NorthwesTel requesting additional support to carry on the service of providing telephone services in the north, I just wanted to perhaps, do some background to put it in context so it is understood where they may be coming from.

Mr. Speaker, the CRTC initiated the process in early 1997, on the introduction of long distance competition for NorthwesTel's operating area. The Government of the Northwest Territories is registered as an interested party. In June of that year, CRTC conducted hearings in Yellowknife and the Minister of the day made verbal presentations, stating the views of this government and as well, followed through with a written formal position in October.

The Government of the Northwest Territories indicated support for this long distance telephone competition in the north, as long as every citizen in the Northwest Territories continues to have access to affordable long distance telephone service.

The government also called for a way to subsidize high cost service areas, most likely to come from the long distance revenues from telephone companies themselves. This may be the area where NorthwesTel is finding difficulty in trying to deal with long distance competition and at the same time, provide local services in the smaller communities, as they do both now. As long distance competition comes in, then are they going to be able to continue to be able to provide services at the community and regional levels?

As a result of discussion, there is a process in place now, Mr. Speaker. As a result of the discussions and the decision that was issued by the CRTC in February, local access rates will be increased in 1998 and 1999 in order to allow NorthwesTel to prepare for long distance competitions which will begin July 1, 2000. Before that date, there will be a CRTC process on deciding the actual detailed terms of competition such as what rate the long distance providers must pay Northwestel for access to their system. The increase in local rates is to be balanced by a decrease in long distance rates in 1998/1999. This change should not cost this government any extra money. However, it is going to cost more for people at a community level to use telephone service. The process that I mentioned was introduced by the CRTC, issued Public Notice, calling for consideration of issues associated with providing telecommunication service to high cost areas. All the telephone companies in Canada are involved. At stake is the potential establishment of a national fund to be used in subsidizing high cost serving areas such as the Northwest Territories and our smaller communities.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is very much involved in these proceedings and submitted a formal position supporting the introduction on competition, provided that a high cost serving area fund is established. This government believes that without such a fund, competition could place a financial burden on Northwestel that could put at risk the local and long distance telephone services now available in our remote communities. I think that, Mr. Speaker, trying to put this issue in context is perhaps where the honourable Member is coming from. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. To remind the Members about written questions and oral questions that if the Members require detailed, long responses then, I ask that you consider it as a written question. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in our presentations to the CRTC hearings last year, the government's position was that we took a formal position, supporting the introduction of competition as well as that a fund be established for providing the high cost serving areas. In a way, that may be a way of subsidizing NorthwesTel's request for this subsidy. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not know why NorthwesTel wants $20 million. I am just going to speculate that if long distance competition comes in and an outside company would probably grab the lucrative long distance market in our major communities that would leave the outlying smaller communities without a way of subsidizing their operation as it currently is. I am just speculating on that. Thank you.

Oral questions. Final supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, again, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, whenever there is competition, the competitors normally sharpen their pencils and try to become competitive in the area of providing programs and services, in this case telephone services to the residents of the Northwest Territories. Within our small communities, we have high cost operations and without having long distance competition in there as well as the local services, there might be a problem. NorthwesTel is here. It is already established. Depending on what happens, when this competition comes in, they are in a very good position having been here already. Knowing the system, they may be in a position to be competitive. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the leader of the Executive Council, the Premier. As I indicated in my Member's statement, earlier, the last two days we have discussed and debated the state of education in the NWT. I think the exercise, Mr. Speaker, was good which reflects the state and importance of education. Some Members speeches were, as I indicated, more compelling rather than aspiring, but the objective, Mr. Speaker, having heard the concern from Members, are the Premier and his Cabinet Ministers planning or in the process of planning to address the serious consideration of education in the NWT? Thank you.

Mr. Premier.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As all Members know that, soon, we will be in the process of planning two new budgets for two territories. The Members are concerned about education, housing, economic development and many other issues. Members have raised concerns and made some very good comments these past few days. We will take those into consideration, and I hope the Members take those into consideration when they review those budgets as well. Thank you.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have heard about the current state of education whereby teaching staff are resigning left, right and centre and whereby improvision, Mr. Speaker, has to be made because the resources are not there to deliver basic special education. Is the Minister willing to look at the current state and do something about it?

Mr. Morin. Two questions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is aware, we spend approximately $300 million on education now, as a government. The Minister of Finance is in charge of staff housing in the Northwest Territories. They are selling off that housing. They said if it is needed, we would look at those cases, community by community, and we are willing to do that. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I had asked the Minister for the FMBS about a concern in Iqaluit of the potential major increase in market rents leased by the GNWT after division. Mr. Speaker, the Minister told me that he would have an answer for me today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The questions were asked yesterday. Today is a new day. Mr. Picco, do you wish to ask your question to the proper Minister?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a new day. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I had asked the Minister of FMBS, Mr. Todd, a concern I had with the potential major increase of market rates leased by the GNWT in Iqaluit and what the government is going to do about these leases after December 31, 1998. I wonder if the Minister could update us today on that situation?

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

I believe that we are prepared to commit to extending the program we currently have until March 31, 1999.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just for clarification purposes, the Minister is saying that in writing or somehow he is going to be informing the people who are maintaining those units and also the people who are leasing it to them that, indeed, the current program will be in place up until and including December 31, 1999; is that correct? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Todd.

My honourable colleague is so eloquent. Yes, he is correct.

Oral questions. Mr. Roland.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do acknowledge the fact the MLA has been working closely with us in trying to deal with this issue. I want to assure the Member that I, as a Minister in the government, am very interested in keeping the facility open. We are working closely with the management staff of Turning Point, in particular with the executive director. We are in the process of sending our Director of Corrections, Mr. John Dillon, up to Inuvik next week to discuss what options they may have. The main issue here is the shortage of clients that fit the criteria in the correctional system. We are trying to work on the problem on two fronts. One is to ensure that as many potential clients know of the program as possible and also to try to look at the criteria itself and see if there are changes we can make to it to open it up to more offenders. Thank you.

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

Mr. Arlooktoo.

I am informed there are three clients who are transferring to the facility this week that will assist in the revenues of the operation in a limited way. The way the facility is funded from the Department of Justice is that we pay a per diem of $80 per day per client. The more clients that we can transfer to the facility, the more feasible it is. The facility does run an important program. The problem up to now has been that of the 50 or so offenders in the correctional system who are from the region and the surrounding area, of that limited number, who fits into the criteria of being low risk, or being interested in taking the program and have good potential of benefiting from the program. I would hope that shortly after Mr. Dillion's visit to Inuvik that we will be able to come up with some additional ways of helping the organization. We are doing what we can.

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

Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am informed that since the executive director of Turning Point has been working closely with the Corrections Division that there has been some actions taken, including leaving information pamphlets in all the facilities to ensure that all potential clients are made aware of the program such as during their incoming interviews and also that our counsellors are well aware of the program and in a position to let offenders know that they have this option.

There has already been some work done there. What we are doing is to see what more we can do. Thank you.

Thank you. Oral questions. Before going on to Mr. Miltenberger, I would like to recognize a former member from Central Arctic, Kane Tologanak.

--Applause

Mr. Miltenberger.

The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Kakfwi.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Minister Kakfwi.

Thank you. Oral questions. Supplementary,

Mr. Miltenberger.