Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I, as well, attended the meeting at lunch time, along with some other MLAs to listen for the first time, for myself, the UNWs position. I indicated to them at that meeting that I, like the employees and probably most people in the north, am sort of stuck in the middle as the government and the UNW are squared off, eyeball to eyeball on this particular situation. Neither side is wanting to blink at this particular time because they do not want to move off their positions. I have read the information from both sides. When I read stuff from the government, it makes sense to me and is very clear. When I listen to the objections and concerns raised by the UNW, look at some of their literature, it seems to me as if they have concerns. I do not know, at the end of the day, what is accurate. I have no reason to disbelieve the government. I have no reason to disbelieve the UNW. Is it a question of what is right and what is wrong or is it just a question of perception? Is the system gender neutral? Is it discriminatory? Is it illegal? Can they take it to a vote or can they not take it to a vote? I do not know. It seems to me the only people who can resolve this and hammer out an agreement that is understandable are the GNWT and the UNW. All northerners and employees, people like ourselves, stand, wait, watch and wonder. How will this situation be resolved? How long can it be at an impasse? How long can the gridlock last? It has to be solved. There is money on the table. Employees' benefits are at stake. I think labour

peace cannot be achieved until this deal is signed off. I would encourage both parties to come to the table and, at the end of the day, we have to give the membership the opportunity to cast their vote on this particular issue. Until then, we wait to see, will anybody blink. Thank you.

--Applause