Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my department does not have any direct involvement in negotiated contracts such as the one the Member refers to. As a sponsoring department, we are responsible for funding a contract like the new school in Fort McPherson, Aklavik, or in Tsiigehtchic. However, Mr. Speaker, the details of negotiating the economic impact and benefits from a contract to build one of those buildings would fall under the mandate of the Department of Public Works. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The funds will be coming from the Department of Education. That is why I want to ensure that the department allows those funds to flow directly to the communities and the regions when it comes to development of infrastructure for the department. I would like to ask the Minister who, at the end of the day, will have to make the final decision on exactly what process is being used. Can I get some commitment from the Minister that he will consider the different aspects of the regional economy and also employment opportunities when making that decision?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The process for the negotiated contracts is that the contract itself is negotiated by the Department of Public Works and Services so, I cannot make any commitment as Minister of Education. My department provides the money from the budget to build the school or learning center, but we are not responsible for determining the final contract arrangements. That, Mr. Speaker, is decided by the Department of Public Works and has to come back to Cabinet and meet the criteria that have been established for negotiated contracts. If it does, Cabinet will usually support it. Certainly economic benefit for the community and the region is considered by Cabinet. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad to hear the Minister state that economic development for the communities and region is one of the priorities, but I would like to make it clear to the Minister that I feel it should be the only priority that you consider when you allow any major development or construction of infrastructure for the Department of Education. I would like to ask the Minister again, will he consider ensuring that there will be maximum benefits and opportunities for the communities and

the region in any such projects in regard to construction of infrastructure for the Department of Education?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would think that in any negotiated contract, those are considerations that are brought to the table whether it is Education, Housing Corporation, or Health and Social Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.