Thank you, Mr. Bell. Please be seated. Members of the House, before we begin our day, I have a message from Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth.

It is highly appropriate that the theme of Commonwealth Day at the start of the new millennium should be The Communications Challenge. For much of the millennium just ended, the challenge was to relay information as speedily and accurately as possible. What once took weeks, is now instantaneous.

But the advances in technology bring a new challenge of how to use rapid communication responsibly and for the common good. We have to strive to ensure that the advantages of modern communication systems are available to all, and are used to bring us all closer together, not to create fresh divisions. And we need to remember that exciting though the new ways of communicating undoubtedly are, what matters most is what we say to each other.

The Commonwealth is an organization so diverse and widespread that it has always depended on good communications, which are helped, of course, by having a common language. Recent advances in communication technology are particularly helpful in fostering the non-governmental networks, which help to make the Commonwealth so unique.

The exchange of information and sharing of experiences between representatives of civil society in the different countries form an important part of the Commonwealth's activities at the start of the 21st century. Both in these networks, and in our cooperation at government level, our shared values and traditions provide a foundation for using the new technology to our common advantage.

The challenge for the century just started, will be to find ways to use ever faster communications to bring greater harmony and understanding both within each of our societies and between them, and thereby to strengthen the Commonwealth.

Elizabeth R.

Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Glenna Hansen of Inuvik on her appointment as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Ms. Hansen was born in the Delta, in Aklavik, and has lived her life in the Northwest Territories.

Ms. Hansen has always exhibited a high level of energy, confidence and creativity. She is able to take information, assess it and reach conclusions objectively. These strong personal characteristics have made it possible for her to make lasting contributions to the people in her community and to the Inuvialuit.

Our new Commissioner has a strong interest in the social and economic welfare of people in the Delta. Ms. Hansen's accomplishments in these fields are many. She has been a strong advocate of education, so vital to the future of all Northerners. She has sat on education boards at the local and regional level and on other community and regional boards including that of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Ms. Hansen was also co-chair of the Minister's Forum on Health and Social Services.

Not only has she herself been active in business but has used much of her time, experience and knowledge working for the betterment of others through participation on the Board of Western Arctic Business Development Services and as a director of the Inuvialuit Investment Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, the role of the Commissioner has dramatically changed in the last quarter century. Until the late 1970s the Commissioner was the centre of government in the Northwest Territories. Since then, the position has evolved into one similar to that of a Lieutenant Governor in the provinces. The Commissioner's role is largely ceremonial, but is important in the continuity of governance from one government to the next and a symbol of our growing place in Canada.

The new Commissioner brings with her a strong sense of commitment to the people of the Northwest Territories. This sense of commitment, her tact, her communication skills and her abilities as a team player will enhance her ability to carry out her duties as Commissioner.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like once again to congratulate Ms. Hansen on her appointment. I look forward to a positive and productive working relationship with the Commissioner. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents and myself, as the MLA for Nunakput, I would like to offer my congratulations to Ms. Glenna Hansen on her appointment as Commissioner for the Northwest Territories. I believe that the Prime Minister of Canada has made a very wise choice. Ms. Hansen is knowledgeable of the people, cultures, and lifestyles of the Inuvialuit, Dene, Metis, and all Northerners.

Her personality is one where she is respectful and reserved enough to carry out her Commissioner's duties and responsibilities with dignity, while being friendly and always approachable.

I am very pleased to see a young Commissioner who, in a way, reflects the beauty and agelessness of this great land of ours. Her age also makes her equally approachable by both our youth and our seniors.

I am sure I speak for all Inuvialuit when I say I am extremely proud that the new Commissioner is from the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories. I am pleased that Ms. Hansen is of Inuvialuit descent; however, I know that with her experience working with all people in the North, she will provide balanced representation.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a farewell and my best wishes for the Honourable Dan Marion, who has represented the North admirably during his term as Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. I personally have hosted Mr. Marion on a tour of the Beaufort communities. This tour was well received by my constituents, and Mr. Marion was an able representative of the North, this government, and the Government of Canada. He will be remembered. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a courtesy, I would personally like to congratulate Ms. Glenna Hansen as the newly appointed Commissioner for the Northwest Territories.

Ms. Hansen not only comes from my riding of Inuvik Twin Lakes, but also from my home town of Aklavik. At this time I would like to express my sincere well wishes in her role as the newly appointed Commissioner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to congratulate the decision that was made to put Ms. Glenna Hansen as the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I believe she will prove that she was the right choice, and of course, coming from and living in Inuvik at this time, it always makes us proud to have another representative in government, working at the business of government.

She has proven over the last number of years that she is very capable. She is a strong lady, and I believe that she will be able to carry on the business that is required of the Commissioner to properly show the Government of the Northwest Territories, to the residents of the Northwest Territories. I would like to congratulate her, and I know that she will do a great job. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to take this time to congratulate Ms. Glenna Hansen on her appointment as the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I have known Glenna for a number of years, and I know for a fact that she will do a great job.

Glenna is not only a mother, she is a lady who is involved in aboriginal politics, and is also involved in the social and economic well-being of people in the communities, through her involvement in different forums, education boards, health review committees.

Most of all, I think one thing that Glenna brings to this responsibility as the Commissioner is her being an Inuvialuit, and a woman. Commissioners in the past were primarily men. At this time, I would like to say that having had the opportunity to work with Helen Maksagak, who is now the Commissioner of Nunavut, I considered it an honour and a privilege to have been involved with her during her term as Commissioner of this Territory.

Other people from the North, especially the Mackenzie Delta, did play a role in the past. We have had a Deputy Commissioner, an Inuvialuit, from the Mackenzie Delta, who also played that role. The past Commissioner, Mr. Dan Norris, who is also from the great Inuvik region, served as the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories from 1989 to 1994.

With that, I would like to extend all the best, and say again that this role, I feel, is unique because she is not only an Inuvialuit, but she is the first Inuvialuit woman to take the role on as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I look forward to working with her, and I ask my other colleagues and Members of this House to bring her in with open arms and work with her for the next four years, to make her job that much easier.

The benefit this brings is recognition to this government that reflects the unique cultural differences that we have in the North, and especially with the first Commissioner for the 14th Assembly. With that, congratulations, and thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I come from a community of about 2700 people. It is a relatively small community, where people, like many of us in the North, are struggling to make a living, to have a strong community, to broaden our economic base.

Since becoming their representative in the 13th Assembly, I entered the Assembly with a feeling of strong optimism, telling people that division would be the best thing that ever happened to the Northwest Territories, that we sit on a tremendous storehouse of wealth. If we could just get the politics right, we can, in fact, become a "have" jurisdiction.

While telling them this, I recognize as well that as a Territory, my community like every community represented in this Assembly, has faced five years of relentless restraint and the erosion of services and programs as we attempted to deal with the deficit. That continues today.

As Members of the 14th Assembly, the people are watching us very closely. If the comments I have heard about the apparent penchant of the Premier for first class travel and stretch limos is any indication, they are watching very carefully.

They are looking to us for leadership. Mr. Speaker, it is not a case of do as I say, not as I do. If we are talking leadership, we have to demonstrate that. I am speaking specifically about the 18 percent forced growth figure in the Executive budget. It is unconscionable that we can come forward with that kind of number while telling people across the Northwest Territories that while the future looks good, it is not for another six years. In the meantime, there will be minimum support from the federal government. Be prepared to tighten your belts.

Mr. Speaker, as far as I am concerned, as long as there is the potential for one person to be laid off, for one program not being funded, of one contract being deferred, as we have deferred millions of dollars worth, the Executive should show leadership and not bring forward a business plan and interim appropriations that layers on many new positions at a time when we are telling everybody else to tighten their belts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some of my constituents have brought a serious concern to my attention. Hopefully this Assembly, with the cooperation of the department, will be able to address the issue.

Mr. Speaker, I am referring to the current manner in which patients in the North are reimbursed under the Extended Health Benefits Program run by the Department of Health. Specifically there is inconsistency in how Northerners are reimbursed or pay for medications.

Patients who qualify for extended health benefits for specified illnesses are able to receive 100 percent payment for their prescription medications. Under this plan, the pharmacist direct bills the Department of Health and Social Services for the entire amount. This seems to work well.

Problems arise for people who already have some other form of partial coverage but who rely on extended health benefits to top up their coverage. In this scenario, the pharmacist direct bills the initial insurance policy but requires immediate payment for the amount covered by extended health. It is up to the patient to pay this amount and then apply to the GNWT for reimbursement. For example, a GNWT employee who has 80 percent coverage under their main plan and 20 percent coverage from extended health must pay the 20 percent out of pocket.

Mr. Speaker, the 20 percent outlay may seem relatively minor to some of us but considering the expense of prescription drugs used to combat something like multiple sclerosis, this 20 percent can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Mr. Speaker, I believe this government should have on-line billing implemented for extended health benefits which would improve tracking and payment and ensure our constituents are not out of pocket for a substantial amount of money each month.

At the appropriate time, I will be questioning the Minister responsible for Health to see if she is willing to look at correcting this serious shortfall in service.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On March 5, 2000 I attended the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference (PDAC) in Toronto along with the Deputy Premier, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, the Honourable Joe Handley, other MLAs, City of Yellowknife and northern mining representatives. This is a world class event at which more than 10,000 participants attended this year.

The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada is the national organization representing the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration and development industry. The PDAC recognizes excellence and achievement in the mineral industry through its program of annual awards.

The Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year Award is presented to the person or persons who have made a significant mineral discovery, or offered some significant service to the PDAC or been involved in some important technological invention or innovation with respect to improving Canadian prospecting and/or exploration techniques. This year's award was presented to D. Grenville Thomas, in recognition of his outstanding prospecting achievements in the Northwest Territories over the past 30 years and, in particular, his role in organizing and managing the exploration program that led to Diavik Diamond Mines, the Thor Lake rare earth project, and the Sunrise Lake discovery.

For the past 34 years, Gren Thomas' prospecting activity has generated substantial economic benefits for this country, culminating in the development of what will be Canada's second diamond mine. His early recognition of and unswerving faith in the mineral potential of the Northwest Territories have resulted in substantial exploration activity which has brought major economic benefits to the region. His work has also contributed to the region's geological database.

In 1981, he founded Aber Resources to continue his gold exploration efforts and, subsequently, his exploration for diamonds. The first kimberlites were discovered on the Diavik property in 1992. These pipes are high grade and rank among the richest in the world with reserves of 37 million tonnes containing 133 million carats.

Gren Thomas demonstrates all of the qualities of the prospector-- geological expertise, foresight, perseverance, and curiosity. I am pleased to acknowledge in this House his success and the national recognition which he so richly deserves for his splendid contribution to the Northwest Territories and to Canada's mining industry.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak briefly on the industry of agriculture in the Northwest Territories. It seems Mr. Speaker that we, as a government, are reluctant to place any priority on this industry. Agriculture, Mr. Speaker, in its many different forms, has been a part of the Northwest Territories for over a century. History tells us there is an ever-increasing growth in the production of foodstuff in the Northwest Territories.

People in the industry believe a large variety of high quality foods can be produced here and this, Mr. Speaker, can have a major impact on the amount of food we import.

The Territorial Farmers' Association has been actively promoting agriculture in the North for many years and strongly believes their biggest stumbling block is the government's lack of interest and commitment to the industry. Specifically, the TFA has been trying to get this government to develop an agricultural policy that would help them become players in the industry.

Mr. Speaker, in 1995, a draft policy was presented to this government which was not adopted. In 1997, the TFA undertook an economic impact study on the Northwest Territories agricultural policy which was presented to the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

Mr. Speaker, lack of an adequate policy and government support serve to restrict agricultural development. The TFA is determined to get this industry going and I urge this government to acknowledge the importance of legislating a policy to enhance the development of agriculture within the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.