Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Honourable Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are several issues that are key in the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. One is the division of the Power Corporation between the Northwest Territories and Nunavut and the other, of course, is the issue with respect to the franchise in Fort Simpson.

We are working on that very heavily. We are trying to ensure, in the case of the split of the Power Corporation, that we become the service provider for Nunavut. In the case of Fort Simpson, we are in ongoing discussions and contact with the community. We intend to take a leading role in the energy supplies systems here in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the question of the issue is broader than the supply of energy as the Minister refers to power. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation is the main asset of the Northwest Territories. It is a big one. It is the main provider of all of the services. There is a possible change in the regulation to expand the capabilities under the PUB of what is able to be provided.

Is the Minister going to take a broader look, other than just looking at the division issue and having to restructure because of the shrinking of the corporation, and look at what role the Power Corporation plays in the 21st century as we deal with the broad energy strategy issues facing us? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Honourable Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have not yet dealt with what the broader mandate will be of the Power Corporation or this government in terms of energy supply in the Territories. I have been dealing with some immediate firefighting in certain areas and that has maintained my attention.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was not aware there are forests in Israel. My question to the Minister is when will he be able to put his mind to this very significant issue that is underway now as we speak? The government has committed to an energy strategy. The NWTPC and this Minister should be playing a key role to make sure the right strategy is drafted. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Honourable Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be dealing with both the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Power Corporation and its future the moment we are through with the Session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister commit to provide a more concrete update when we next gather to possibly review business plans and he appears before committee to talk about the issue of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Honourable Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question has to do with the statement that the Minister responsible for Transportation made earlier today with respect to the early closure of the ice bridge.

Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned about this record-breaking time in the ice bridge closure. It is two weeks ahead of the earliest time we have. It is going to have serious impacts on the residents of Yellowknife and surrounding areas, as well the businesses. There are schools going up and they have to get the supplies in. I was wondering if the Minister could inform this House, seeing that the statement probably was written earlier, I wonder if he could give us the absolute latest on when he expects the ice bridge to close. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member for the question. The department does its best to advise the public as early as possible as to work conditions. The Member is quite correct. There is an update to the report. The department report now states that Fort Providence ice crossing will close to light traffic tomorrow at noon. That would be March 30, 2000 at noon. Light traffic means cars and vans. Heavier traffic may be closed as early as the weekend of April 1st. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. His statement indicates that the cause of this early closure is due to an act of God. It is the warm temperature. I wonder if the Minister could say it is 100 percent an act of God and not the overuse and heavy traffic volume on that ice bridge?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The crossing is closed due to warm weather. There is a lot of slush and a lot of water there now, which would prevent light traffic from crossing. Heavy traffic can still cross. It is an act of God, or I suppose the weatherman, at the least, who is responsible for the deterioration of the ice crossing. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.