Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. I would like to welcome all Members back to the House. There is a lot of work to be done in the next nine days, so I will keep my opening statement short.

My comments today refer to the message read by her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, on March 8, which is Commonwealth Day.

"Music is the theme for Commonwealth Day this year. Of course, people of different generations tap their feet to quite different beats. But for all of us, young and old, music is an essential part of life; for parties and entertainment; for ceremonies and celebrations.

For music knows no difference of language, no national boundaries. And because it has become such as important part of our cultural lives, it is a universal means of communicating with each other. The variety of music indicates our diversity, its common tones and harmonies bring us together, just like the Commonwealth.

In 1999 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. Fifty years ago, in 1949, India became the first republic with its own head of state to be a member of the Commonwealth. That paved the way to memberships for many countries, especially from Asia and Africa, all sharing links of history, a belief in democracy, and a will to work together. Today, the Commonwealth includes over a quarter of the world's population, spanning differences in race, creed and language, but sharing the same aspirations toward a better future. This November, the leaders of the Commonwealth states will gather in South Africa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting where they will discuss the challenges of the new millennium, as well as celebrating the Commonwealth's achievements in its life so far.

Let us then, in this anniversary year, look both backwards as well as forwards as we mark Commonwealth Day. While we continue to enjoy our favourite music, either by making it or listening to it, let us also celebrate the vigour and creativity that the next generation will bring to their music making. That is just one of the bonds that all the young people of the Commonwealth will share together on this special day. This is from the message from the Queen.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report success on two outstanding matters that fall under my responsibility as the Minister responsible for the Public Service Act.

The first is a matter of a collective agreement. I am pleased to report that the Government of the Northwest Territories employees who are represented by the Union of Northern Workers have voted to ratify a new collective agreement for the period of April 1, 1998, to March 31, 2000.

--Applause

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important collective agreement. On April 1, 1999, this collective agreement becomes the collective agreement both for the employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories in the west and the employees of the Government of Nunavut in the east. This collective agreement also contains a new job evaluation system and new rates of pay that we can rely on with confidence as being in full compliance with both the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Northwest Territories Fair Practices Act.

The second matter I am pleased to report success on, Mr. Speaker, is the settlement of the outstanding equal pay complaint.

Mr. Speaker, both current and former employees who may have been covered by the complaint have spoken loudly and clearly. To date, 63 percent of affected individuals have accepted their offers and withdrawn from the complaint. These accepted offers represent 69 percent of the total amount of money in all of the offers issued. By March 31, 1999, we expect that 74 percent of the offers, representing 81 percent of the total amount of money, will be accepted. These current and former employees must be commended for their foresight and willingness to resolve this matter in a fair way and move on.

Mr. Speaker, the high number of acceptances clearly shows that the Public Service Alliance of Canada, or PSAC for short, no longer represents the majority of individuals who may have been covered by the complaint that is before the Tribunal.

Mr. Speaker, these numbers should also be sufficient for the UNW Executive to realize that it must take control of this complaint from the PSAC and work with the small number of remaining employees to try to conclude a settlement for them. It would be most unfortunate if the UNW does not seek to act in this manner, as the alternative is a long, costly and uncertain litigation process. The risks in this litigation process will be high, and the potential rewards low, for the UNW and its members. The whole substance and legitimacy of the complaint and the Tribunal process are in serious question. There is a very strong legal argument for joint union liability in any finding the Tribunal or the courts might make.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling two background documents that provide additional information about the matters I have spoken about in this statement. One tabled document will be a status report on individual equal pay settlement agreements. The other tabled document will be a background paper on negotiating equal pay at collective bargaining. Thank you, Mr. Speaker

Thank you. Ministers' statements, Mr. Dent

Thank you. Ministers' statements, Mr. Ng

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the creation of two new territories in just a few days, many changes will take place at an accelerated pace. In both new territories we will need to position ourselves to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the rapidly changing political landscape.

Today I am focusing my comments on the new Northwest Territories where these political changes will have significant implications for the management of the healthcare system.

Mr. Speaker, arising out of these changes will be a need to review existing service delivery structures and make adjustments as required to ensure that an affordable, sustainable health and social services system remains in place.

Under the current model of governance, there will be nine health and social services boards in the new Northwest Territories. These boards deliver health and social services to specific regions and communities. Some boards also provide services on a territorial basis. There is a need to review the size and number of boards to ensure efficiency and to reflect the size and makeup of the population while still maintaining effective community and regional governance over program delivery. There is also a need to review and evaluate the working relationship between the department and the boards.

Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that we use all available resources as efficiently as possible while continuing to provide the best care possible. The Department of Health and Social Services has recognized these needs and is developing a framework to guide the review of Health and Social Services in the new Northwest Territories. The review will respond to concerns about the health and social services system that have been raised in different parts of the territory.

Mr. Speaker, while considering clients' concerns, the review will take into consideration the larger context in which Health and Social Services board and the department work. The review will offer the opportunity to consult with northerners on the challenges they face and to hear their recommendations for achieving health and wellness for all residents. It will provide a forum for frank dialogue with our clients about their priorities and the kind of services they need.

Mr. Speaker, we see an opportunity here to structure a review that will provide input from the public, professional associations, non-government organizations, health and social service providers, boards and department staff. There will be an opportunity to build on health reform initiatives currently underway. The new Northwest Territories will be challenged to chart a course that meets the interests and needs of all its citizens and provide opportunities for them to take greater control of their future and more responsibility for their well-being.

The review will be the basis for the development of an updated strategic plan for health and wellness and will allow the territorial government to make informed decisions based on peoples' needs and on best practices. Mr. Speaker, in closing I note that there are many people who are working long and hard to ensure that people of the north receive the best possible health and social services. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the important contribution that the staff of health and social services boards across the territories make on a daily basis. This year promises historic change and new opportunities. Our challenge is to manage the change and to focus on providing stability. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers' statements, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Jim Antoine will be absent from the House today to attend a meeting of Premiers and aboriginal leaders in Regina, Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Members' statements. Mr. Krutko.

The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? Mr. Krutko, you have unanimous consent.

Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome all of my colleagues back to this House. I hope everyone is well rested. Over the past few months, we have seen the election of Nunavut and the Premier and Cabinet selection for the new government, and I would like to congratulate all Members who will form the new Legislative Assembly.

For the west, we still need to resolve many outstanding and important issues prior to March 31, 1999. I believe one of the most important issues, of course, is the Electoral Boundaries. We have met numerous times to discuss this and are finally at the stage where we must decide once and for all. All through this process I have supported the idea of three new seats for the western Arctic; one for Yellowknife, one extra seat for North Slave and one possibly for Hay River or Inuvik. This has been my position and I would still lobby for this. To me and my constituents, we feel this to be the best solution.

However, this Assembly is now recommending increasing the number of seats to 19, and can say that there is support for this move, as it recognizes the need for more seats to accommodate the population breakdown in a fair and equitable manner. This is fine; however, once the seats are set for Yellowknife, Hay River and Inuvik, this reduces the representation by population argument considerably. This raises another question, that being, what about the North Slave? If we agree to give these extra seats to the three tax-based communities, this will leave the North Slave as one of the largest, if not the largest, constituency in the western Arctic with only one Member representing it.

As some may realize, the North Slave currently is in the first stages of a economic boom, which will bring many new residents to the area. I can see the 25 percent mark realized in the next few years very easily. When it happens, we will be under-represented. Does this mean we will have to go to court to force the government to allow an extra seat, or will there be a set criteria that will allow for extra seats to be added once the population has reached a set level?

This is a very real concern and, if an extra seat is not provided for North Slave now, I am sure that the need will come forward in the near future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Dent.

Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Picco.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this, my first opportunity in this Assembly, to thank the people of Iqaluit for their second strong vote of confidence in me on February 15, 1999. Mr. Speaker, I have learned many things in this House over the past three and a half years. I have developed some strong friendships and seemingly stumbled with some animosity with my honourable colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I can honestly say that the learning curve in here in this House, the stress, the hard work and at times, good humour, will not be soon forgotten.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, the Clerk's office and the good people of Yellowknife for their friendship, professionalism and hospitality and invite one and all to join us in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, at their earliest convenience. I would like to take this opportunity also, Mr. Speaker, to issue a special invitation to my colleague from Thebacha to visit Nunavut so that he can finally speak with some authority on the subject. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Barnabas.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I

would like to take this opportunity to stand and recognize two people who have lost some loved ones, particularly Mr. Enuaraq. Tommy Enuaraq has been absent in the House due to a death in the family Mary Kautaq died March 7, 1999, of cancer. Mary Kautaq was born in 1918, she died at the age of 81 years. Also a good friend who has also lost a loved one on March 13, 1999, James Qillaq, who is the Mayor of Clyde River. John Qillaq died during the night of March 13, 1999, and he was born March 31, 1918. They held the funeral on Saturday for these two people in Clyde River. I want to ask my colleagues to remember those people through prayer and in particular, Mr. Enuaraq's family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also recognize and thank first the residents of Kugluktuk who since May of 1993 up until next week, have given me the mandate to serve as their MLA. I would like to also, by the same token, recognize and thank the residents of Cambridge Bay, Umingmaktok and Bathurst Inlet for their support over the past six years and particularly, more recently for the February 15th decisive mandate that they gave me to once again have the honour of representing them.

To my Nunavut Caucus colleagues who chose to run and were elected to the first Nunavut Assembly, I look forward to working with you. To those of my Nunavut Caucus colleagues who chose not to run or who were not successful in their election bid, I wish them all the best wishes as they go on to other pursuits. To all Members elected in the historic first Nunavut Assembly, to Premier Elect, Paul Ookalik, my Cabinet elect colleagues, I congratulate all of them. I look forward to working with all as we embark on our important task of guiding the establishment of the new Nunavut territory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to recognize in the public gallery a friend, former member of the territorial council, long time president of the Arctic Coop Limited, Bill Lyall.

--Applause

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

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

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. Bill Lyall, he was a former Member in 1975 and he has also been a member and president of ACL and I have also been a member with him. I just wanted to recognize him in the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Mr. Bill Lyall, a long-time resident and prominent individual from the community of Cambridge Bay. Thank you.

Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to recognize the rest of the people who are there. Welcome to the Assembly. Item 6, oral questions. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Item 9, replies to opening address. Item 10, petitions. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you. Petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of

committees on the review of bills. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report to the Legislative Assembly that the Special Committee on Nunavut Legislation has reviewed Bill 2, Nunavut Statutes Amendment Act, 1999, and Bill 5, Nunavut Power Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, and wishes to report that Bill 2 and Bill 5 are ready for consideration in committee of the whole. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 70(5) and have Bill 2 and Bill 5 moved into committee of the whole for today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The Member for the High Arctic is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 70(5) to deal with Bill 2 and Bill 5. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Barnabas, you have unanimous consent. Bill 2 and Bill 5 will be moved into committee of the whole for today. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report to the Legislative Assembly that the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 1, Divisions Measures Act, 1999, and wishes to report that Bill 1 is now ready for committee of the whole as amended and reprinted. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 70(5) and have this bill moved into committee of the whole for today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, the Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 70(5). Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Erasmus, you have unanimous consent. Bill 1 will be moved into committee of the whole for today. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report to the Legislative Assembly that the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 3, Legal Registries Division Measures Act, 1999, Bill 4, Northwest Territories Power Corporation Division Measures Act, and Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act, and wishes to report that Bill 3, Bill 4, and Bill 6 are now ready for consideration in committee of the whole. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 70(5) and have these bills moved into committee of the whole for today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, the Member for Yellowknife North is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 70(5). Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Erasmus, you have unanimous consent. Bill 3, Bill 4 and Bill 6 will be moved into committee of the whole for today. Reports of committees on the review of bills. Item 13, tabling of documents. Mr. Todd.

Tabled Document 3-13(7): Background Paper: Negotiating Equal Pay at Collective Bargaining

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled Background Paper Negotiating Equal Pay at Collective Bargaining.

Tabled Document 4-13(7): Status Report: Individual Equal Pay Settlement Agreements

As well, Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a status report on the Individual Equal Pay Settlement Agreements. Thank you.

Tabling of documents. Mr. Ootes.

Tabled Document 5-13(7): Package of Letters Regarding the Need to Increase Education Funding

Thank you. Tabling of documents. Mr. Morin.

Tabled Document 7-13(7): Letter from Western Northwest Territories Aboriginal Summit to Premier Antoine Requesting an Appeal to the Electoral Boundaries Decision

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to table a document, a letter from the Western Northwest Territories Aboriginal Summit to Premier Antoine of the Northwest Territories.

Tabled Document 8-13(7): Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories Decision Known as the Paulette Case Judgement

I also have a second document, the Paulette case, a judgement by Honourable Justice W. G. Morrow.

Tabled Document 9-13(7): PEI Supreme Court Decision on Voter Rights indexed as MacKinnon vs. Prince Edward Island

I also have a third document, a case from Prince Edward Island, MacKinnon and Government of Prince Edward Island and the City of Charlottetown on electoral boundaries. Thank you.

Thank you. Tabling of documents. Item 14, notices of motion. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on

Wednesday, March 24, 1999, I will move the following motion:

Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, that the Legislative Assembly recommends to the Executive Council that they immediately file an appeal of the March 5, 1999, decision of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories in the matter of Friends of Democracy et al, vs. the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories et al, and take all steps necessary to ensure that the decision of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories is stayed pending the hearing of an appeal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Notices of motion. Item 15, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 16, motions. Item 17, first reading of bills. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin South, that Bill 8, Interim Appropriation Act, 1999-00, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The motion is in order. To the motion. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. Bill 8 has had first reading. First reading of bills. Item 18, second reading of bills. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Baffin South, that Bill 8, Interim Appropriation Act, 1999-00, be read for the second time. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the GNWT to make interim appropriations for the 1999-00 fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. The motion is in order. To the principle of the bill. Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried. Bill 8 has had second reading and accordingly the bill stands referred to committee of the whole for today. Second reading of bills. Item 19, consideration in committee of the whole of bills and other matters. Bill 1, Bill 2, Bill 3, Bill 4, Bill 5, Bill 6 and Bill 8 with Mr. Ningark in the chair.

I would like to call the committee to order. On item 19, we have Bill 1, Bill 2, Bill 3, Bill 4, Bill 5, Bill 6 and Bill 8. I seek the direction of the committee. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you. Mr. Ootes is recommending that we proceed with Bill 8 first and then Bill 1, Bill 2, Bill 3, Bill 4, Bill 5 and Bill 6. Do we have concurrence?

Agreed.

We will take a break and come back to deal with the bills. Thank you.

--Break

I would like to call the committee to order. We are reviewing Bill 8, Interim Appropriation Act, 1999-00, and, therefore, would like to recognize Mr. Todd, the Finance Minister. Mr. Todd.

Mr. Chairman, the Interim Appropriation Act for the 1999-2000 fiscal year is required because the main Appropriation Act for the upcoming year is still under development, pending completion of the Main Estimates and review by standing committees. The government needs interim appropriation authority by April 1, 1999, to allow it to make expenditures for continuing operations in accordance with the Financial Administration Act, which requires that no government expenditures be made which are not pursuant to an appropriation.

The interim requirements were calculated based on operating needs for the first three months of the 1999-2000 fiscal year. Although the present legislative schedule anticipates approval of the 1999-2000 Appropriation Act during the month of April, the three month operating requirements will prevent a problem should there be any changes in the session schedule.

Departments developed their requirements using the 1999-2000 projected level of spending. The interim appropriation amounts were based on the estimated requirements in four areas:

1. Salaries, wages and benefits for the seven pay periods falling between April 1, 1999, and June 30, 1999.

2. Amounts required to fund grants and contributions for the first three months of 1999-2000.

3. Other operations and maintenance requirements. The requested appropriation authority provides for the commitment of the full value of contracts that must be entered into during the first month of the fiscal year. In accordance with the Financial Administration Act, the full amount payable under these contracts during 1999-2000 must be charged to an appropriation when the contract is signed.

4. Interim requirements for capital expenditures for multi-year projects with contracts which span the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 fiscal years and projects where deadlines, due to shipping requirements or other factors, required early approval.

The authority issued under the Interim Appropriation Act expires once the 1999-2000 Appropriation Act is assented to in the Legislative Assembly. The 1999-2000 Appropriation Act will replace the Interim Appropriation Act retroactive to April 1, 1999. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Todd. We will allow the Minister to bring in his witnesses before we get into general comments. Does the committee agree that the Minister may bring in his witnesses? Agreed?

Agreed.

Proceed please. Thank you. For the record, Mr. Todd, would you please introduce the witnesses to the committee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On my immediate right is the one and only. Mr. Lew Voytilla, deputy minister of the FMB.

--Applause

Before we get into general comments, I would like to remind all Members that we are dealing strictly with the appropriation. We are not dealing with the main estimates. The main estimates are under development at this point in time. We are now open for general comments from the Members, Bill 8. Do we agree to go to detail? Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. We are reviewing Bill 8, Interim Appropriation Act, 1999-00. On page 3 of the detail. Vote 1, operations and maintenance, Legislative Assembly. Total Legislative Assembly, $5.282 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Executive Offices, subtotal, $2.233 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Finance Management Board Secretariat, subtotal, $4.302 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Regional affairs, subtotal, $1.004 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Total Executive, $7.539 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Finance, total, $3.275 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Moving on to page 4, Municipal and Community Affairs, total, $10.004 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Public Works and Services, total, $11.217 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Health and Social Services, total, $51,160,270. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Justice, total, $27,668,779. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, total, $6.049 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. On page 5 of Bill 8. Education, Culture and Employment, total, $52.792 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Transportation, total, $19.394 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, total, $32.773 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Total operations and maintenance, $227,154,049. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. On page 6 of Bill 8. Vote 2, capital. Legislative Assembly, total, $163,000. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Municipal and Community Affairs, total, $5.369 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

Thank you. Public Works and Services, total, $621,000. Agreed?

Agreed.