Mahsi, Mr. Lafferty. Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome. Colleagues, I am pleased to acknowledge today, June 21, 2000, as National Aboriginal Day. This is a day to recognize and celebrate the many positive and unique contributions made by aboriginal people of Canada.

Aboriginal people have always played significant and meaningful roles in the development of our Canadian society. Today, as we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, it is important to reflect on and remember those contributions.

Aboriginal people have contributed and continue to contribute to Canadian art, literature, business, medicine, politics, self-identity and many other aspects that we cherish in our society.

As we reflect on the distinctive past, we can also look forward to a healthy, bright and prosperous future. The Yellowknife National Aboriginal Day Organization Committee has organized activities and cultural displays that are taking place today throughout the city and at Petitot Park.

The festival began this morning and is scheduled to continue on into the evening. I attended this event last year and had a great time. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to enjoy the festivities and to celebrate this very special day.

Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6) so that all of the Ministers' statements filed with the Clerk can be delivered today. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. The Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 34(6). Are there any nays? There are no nays. We shall waive Rule 34(6). Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for the Sahtu, Premier Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to address you, my colleagues in this Assembly, and the people of the Northwest Territories. As we commence the Third Session of this 14th Assembly this week, we begin the important work needed to review and approve the budget for the 2000-2001 fiscal year, announced yesterday in this House by the Honourable Joseph Handley, Minister of Finance.

I would like to take a moment at the outset to congratulate Minister Handley and his staff for their hard work. They have brought forward a budget that acknowledges our fiscal challenges and puts forward responsible measures to deal with these challenges while we work towards a new fiscal relationship and to secure additional sources of revenue that will see us into the future.

I would also like to acknowledge that today, June 21st, is National Aboriginal Day, a day to recognize and celebrate aboriginal people and cultures. Later today, the Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, will be making a statement in this House regarding National Aboriginal Day.

Mr. Speaker, it was four months ago, on February 22nd to be precise, that I last addressed this Assembly. I outlined for you the aspirations and expectations of our constituents for a society:

• • where our children can grow and prosper and where our elders can live in comfort and be respected for their contributions; and
• • where individuals and their families will be healthy and living in communities that are rooted in cultures and languages which flourish.

I described our desire for an economic climate in which:

• • NWT people and their governments make decisions regarding land use, development, resource management and the protection of the environment;
• • our residents benefit from private sector development and where they use revenues raised in the NWT to reduce our dependence on federal transfer payments; and
• • important infrastructure, such as the roads connecting our communities, is developed.

In February, my Cabinet colleagues and I recognized that people of the NWT want to be governed by institutions that are:

• • bound together by a sense of unity and identity that inspires aboriginal and territorial governments to work in partnership for the good of our people;
• • administered by a capable and experienced workforce that is representative of our population; and
• • capable of making informed decisions to advance NWT interests at the national and international level.

Mr. Speaker, these long-range goals were identified by this Assembly just four short months ago. We also described some of the preliminary work this Assembly would need to undertake to fulfill our goals.

Today, I want to report how together we have made an energetic and positive start to the challenges before us. I also want to describe to you how and why we are building the momentum that is needed to carry us forward on a number of critical initiatives - initiatives intended to yield positive and lasting benefits for the future of the Northwest Territories.

This momentum is important because it means that within this new Northwest Territories, there is a renewed sense of enthusiasm about the prospects we have for a secure economic future. We need to capture and nurture that sense of enthusiasm.

It is important because it means that we are building a northern territorial identity. As partners in this Legislature and with our constituents, we are defining our shared interests and moving forward together towards our common goals.

It is important because it means that there is a growing awareness and focus on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for each of our residents and an increased understanding of the need to provide our children with the best possible start in life.

And this momentum is especially important because, as a result of our efforts, people, businesses and institutions outside of the Northwest Territories -- who are in a position to help us realize our dreams -- are sitting up and taking notice of the things we are saying. They are beginning to share our excitement about the prospects for development in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, it is this development -- not only of our non-renewable resources, but of our local businesses, our tourism industry, our people, their skills and abilities -- that will ensure that the NWT is a prosperous and secure place to live and to raise our families in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, in order to be able to build momentum, we needed a vision to share, to capture interest and to guide us. On March 31, 2000, the Members of this Assembly collectively released to the public a document entitled Towards a Better Tomorrow.

Towards a Better Tomorrow is a statement of the vision and priorities that will guide the 14th Legislative Assembly in the coming years. It is a document that has the full support and endorsement of Cabinet.

Caucus spent considerable time developing the vision, priorities and agenda of the 14th Assembly. It was time well spent. Together, we reviewed the 13th Assembly's Agenda for the New North, and agreed that it should serve as a foundation document upon which the 14th Assembly would build its action plan.

Towards a Better Tomorrow outlines the 14th Assembly's vision for a prosperous future for the people of the Northwest Territories. In it, Caucus identifies the following key priorities:

1. Self-reliant individuals, families and communities working with governments toward improving social well-being.
2. Better governance through partnerships.
3. A northern-controlled economy that is balanced, diversified, stable and vibrant.
4. Adequate resources helping all levels of government to become more self-reliant in meeting the needs of the people they serve.

Mr. Speaker, Towards a Better Tomorrow has laid the foundation for the actions we have initiated. Cabinet has identified specific strategies that are designed to help us achieve the goals outlined in Towards a Better Tomorrow. These are:

• • support for the Non-Renewable Resource Development Strategy;
• • support for the Economic Strategy Panel;
• • support for a social strategy focusing on early childhood development, personal responsibility and community ownership of wellness; and
• • broad support for regional reorganization and capacity-building initiatives designed to ensure that regional administrative structures are responsive to changes brought about by self-government initiatives and that communities can take on expanded responsibilities and manage their own futures.

The key priorities and goals contained in Towards a Better Tomorrow and the strategies that flow from them now guide the work of this government.

Mr. Speaker, the federal government is a critical partner in assisting us to achieve our goals. We receive approximately 75 percent of our funding from the federal government. Until devolution is finalized, the federal government remains responsible for land and resource ownership and management in the Northwest Territories.

In particular, the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, has a unique relationship with and responsibility to the NWT. Because of the extent of his jurisdiction over and responsibility for land and resource management in the NWT, the relationship that Minister Nault shares with us is unique and different from his relationship with provincial jurisdictions.

For this reason, we are building momentum with the federal government and setting the stage for the changes we want to see in the future.

On March 22nd, the Honourable Joe Handley, Minister of Finance and I traveled to Ottawa and met with federal Finance Minister Paul Martin, with Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Robert Nault, and Minister of State for Youth -- and our MP -- Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

We discussed the very real possibility that the NWT could, within a decade, become a "have" territory -- one that can live on the revenue it generates, rather than a "have not" territory, dependant upon federal transfer payments to make ends meet. We stressed that to become self-sufficient, we will require a share of the revenues generated by non-renewable resource development -- revenues that all currently flow to the federal government.

Minister Nault indicated his support for a results-oriented Intergovernmental Forum for leaders to discuss northern economic development issues including devolution, resource revenue sharing and the construction of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

Minister Martin indicated his willingness to consider increased federal investment in the future of the NWT based on a resource development strategy paper outlining our needs in greater detail, including the costs and benefits of increased non-renewable resource development. When we met a second time in April, he confirmed that interest and urged us to get all documentation to him as soon as possible.

In April, I met with our Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien and conveyed to him the importance that people of the Northwest Territories place on moving forward on our agenda. His support was requested, and that of his Cabinet, for investing in and with the Northwest Territories to meet our shared objectives.

We discussed the critical role of infrastructure development in accessing our non-renewable resources, in linking our communities and in opening the NWT to southern visitors. We explored the possibility of federal government support for the development of a Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline and the completion of the Mackenzie Valley highway in conjunction with the pipeline.

The Prime Minister understands the goals we are trying to achieve and recognizes the NWT as a place where a necessary federal investment, made today, could yield significant future benefits to the NWT and Canada as a whole.

Recently, my colleague, the Honourable Vince Steen, Minister of Transportation, had a chance to reinforce the importance that we place on opening up access to our resource-rich areas when he attended the Transport Canada Millennium Conference. There, Mr. Steen made arrangements with his federal counterpart, Transport Canada Minister David Collenette, to meet later this week. They will be discussing the critical role that infrastructure development plays in the economic development of the NWT, and Mr. Steen will be working to ensure that our voice is heard in any discussions taking place on the Canada National Highway Infrastructure Program.

Mr. Speaker, in a short period of time, and with the assistance of our Member of Parliament, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, we have captured the attention of Ottawa. Canada is interested in us in a way we have not seen in years. The federal government is paying attention to the tremendous interest in NWT non-renewable resource development and the work we have done on the draft Non-Renewable Resource Strategy and is participating in the Intergovernmental Forum. Both of these initiatives are intended to produce prosperity and security over time for all peoples of the NWT.

An important aspect of building momentum has been the new relationship with aboriginal governments that is developing -- a relationship which is long overdue.

Mr. Speaker, the first meeting of the newly established Intergovernmental Forum took place in Hay River on May 5. This forum -- created jointly by Canada, the GNWT and the aboriginal governments of the NWT as the first government-to-government-to-government forum in the country -- was an historic gathering.

The forum has brought together the political leaders of the Northwest Territories, representing the federal, territorial and aboriginal governments. Representatives at Hay River included: the Honourable Robert Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development; our Member of Parliament, the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew; Senator Nick Sibbeston; a number of former GNWT Premiers and Cabinet Ministers, together with many of the Members of this 14th Legislative Assembly and Cabinet; as well as the aboriginal leaders from each of the regions.

The breadth of this leadership base and its depth of experience are important because they indicate the interest and support for moving forward on key territorial issues. The very existence of the forum is a step forward in the political evolution of the Northwest Territories and a recognition that we cannot make progress unless we find a way to work together in an atmosphere of trust and respect.

The federal, territorial and aboriginal leaders have agreed to use the forum to build a common vision for the Northwest Territories and to discuss territorial-wide issues such as resource-revenue sharing and building capacity for aboriginal governments.

The Intergovernmental Forum provides an arena for NWT governments to participate as equal partners in discussion and decision-making. In the forum, we expect to focus on matters such as:

• • the ways in which intergovernmental relationships will change as land claims, self-government and aboriginal rights negotiations are settled in the NWT;
• • how resource revenues will be shared between the federal, aboriginal and territorial governments;
• • the devolution to the North of the resource management responsibilities currently exercised by Canada;
• • economic development initiatives, including the development of a Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline; and
• • capacity building for aboriginal governments.

I want to stress that while the goodwill and spirit of cooperation around the Intergovernmental Forum table is encouraging, the process we are jointly developing is still fragile. It will need nurturing and care in order to flourish. I would ask for support and patience from each of you. Please recognize that we are working hard to overcome the obstacles that have divided us in the past, in order to forge a new and stronger bond. It will take some time to build the necessary trust and confidence of the parties in the forum process.

The Government of the Northwest Territories looks forward to the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum, which we hope will take place in the autumn.

Mr. Speaker, building momentum is not just about talk. It must be about action and results and so, at the May 5th meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum, the Honourable Joe Handley, Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, distributed a draft Non-Renewable Resource Strategy for the consideration of our partner governments.

Preparation of this document responds to the commitment made to federal Finance Minister Martin to put our preliminary thoughts on paper and begin a draft that identifies the investment dollars needed to prepare for the non-renewable resource development challenges already upon us.

The strategy remains in draft and represents the initial thinking of the Government of the Northwest Territories to this point. It is a work-in-progress that, out of respect for the relationship we are developing through the Intergovernmental Forum process, has been formally shared with our partner governments for their consideration and input.

The draft strategy was also provided to Members of this House for their input and was transmitted under cover letter to all federal Cabinet Ministers and their deputies. As well, the draft strategy was presented to federal officials representing 12 departments and agencies at a meeting in Ottawa on May 18, 2000. This presentation included an explanation of the need for and value of such a strategy at this time.

It should be noted that Mr. Pierre Alvarez, president, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Mr. Richard Nerysoo, co-chair of the Economic Strategy Panel, also gave presentations at that meeting in support of the strategy.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, it was our early review and discussions with respect to the work of the Economic Strategy Panel that provided one of the bases for the Non-Renewable Resource Strategy. As a result, our draft document, which focuses solely on one economic sector, fits nicely within the overall umbrella strategy being prepared by the panel. While we await the release of their report, titled Common Ground, it would appear that the work of the government to date in moving this initiative forward is consistent with the thrust of the Economic Strategy Panel's thinking.

In keeping with our commitment to open and transparent government, we have made early drafts of the Non-Renewable Resource Strategy available upon request to the media and to the public.

I should mention, Mr. Speaker, that while we recognize that a final strategy must be built on partnership, other events dictate that time is of the essence in moving this initiative forward. Development in the non-renewable resource sector is already booming in the NWT. Canadian diamonds are already being sold in international markets -- something that was hard to imagine just a few short years ago. In less than a year, three new pipelines have been completed in the Northwest Territories.

With every day that passes, we find new opportunities to benefit from this development. As a proactive government, we cannot afford to wait. Our provincial partners are not waiting. For example, British Columbia just announced an investment of $103 million to pave the Liard highway from Fort Nelson to the BC - NWT border.

Therefore, we are asking the federal government to respond quickly and decisively to the Non-Renewable Resource Strategy and invest with us in preparation for the major developments on our doorstep. At the end of the day, the success of the strategy will be measured by the extent to which it yields additional federal investment in the Northwest Territories and how quickly and decisively the federal government responds.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the valuable work being done at the Intergovernmental Forum, we are continuing to build momentum with aboriginal governments through the settlement of land claims and self-government agreements.

As indicated by Minister Handley in his Budget Address yesterday, building strong partnerships with aboriginal governments is fundamental for the GNWT. Minister Handley noted that, along with the Government of Canada, the GNWT has entered into a political accord in the Beaufort Delta region with the Gwich'in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. This accord sets out how we will cooperate to address territorial issues of mutual concern.

Just last week the Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, represented the GNWT at the signing of a political accord with the Akaitcho Dene First Nations in Lutselk'e. This bilateral accord acknowledges that our two governments have important issues of mutual concern to address and it solidifies a working relationship that will allow us to work together to resolve these issues.

On June 13th, on the occasion of the signing of the political accord, negotiators for Canada, the Akaitcho Dene First Nations and the GNWT initialled the Akaitcho Framework Agreement. It is hoped that later this summer, the Framework Agreement can be signed in conjunction with the 100th Centenary Celebrations for Treaty 8 at Deninu Ku'e.

On May 6th, the Smith's Landing First Nation held a ceremony in Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta, on the occasion of the signing of their Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement. Coming more than a century after the signing of Treaty 8 in Fort Fitzgerald, this final agreement represents over 30 years of effort by the people of the Smith's Landing First Nation to secure their land rights. I was pleased to take part in this ceremony, and I want to take this opportunity to again publicly congratulate the Smith's Landing First Nation, their chief, Gerry Paulette and their chief negotiator, Francois Paulette, on their achievement.

Mr. Speaker, the settlement of all outstanding land claims and self-government agreements with the aboriginal peoples of the Northwest Territories within the next ten years is a long-standing goal of this government. As I have said many times, this will provide certainty to investors with respect to land use and regulatory processes. This in turn can only contribute positively to the economic development climate in the Northwest Territories.

More importantly, however, achieving this goal represents a tangible confirmation of the rights of aboriginal people to self-government and to secure tenure over lands that they have occupied for centuries. I am pleased to be able to report that we are continuing to make progress in this important area.

I am also pleased to report on the significant progress the Government of the Northwest Territories has made in building momentum with our provincial and territorial counterparts. This momentum is expressed in a clearer understanding of our mutual interests and in agreement on how we will pursue these joint interests through a coordinated approach.

The annual Western Premier's Conference was held from May 23rd through the 25th this year in Brandon, Manitoba. It involved the leaders of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. While in Brandon, I met with my counterparts, Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik and Yukon Premier Pat Duncan, in what we are calling the Northern Premiers' Forum. We talked about how we can help each other deal more effectively with the federal government in areas of mutual interest such as economic development and the devolution of federal powers to the territorial governments.

As northern Premiers, we confirmed the renewed support of the western Premiers for the devolution of federal jurisdiction over land and resources to the territorial governments. The support we received at the Western Premiers Conference will strengthen the message we are taking to the federal government; namely that it is time to talk seriously about implementing federally funded economic development and diversification programs in the North.

Mr. Speaker, coming on the heels of the WPC, I had the pleasure of joining Premier Ujjal Dossanjh for the signing of a formal five-year Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Development with the Government of British Columbia at a ceremony held in Victoria, British Columbia, on June 6th. This MOU is a general agreement to develop cooperative measures related to developing the communities, services and infrastructure of northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

This agreement follows the recent commitment by the Government of British Columbia to pave part of the Liard Highway, mentioned earlier. The paving of this section of the highway is one of several initiatives which will serve to develop our communities, services and infrastructure. A joint steering committee will oversee the implementation of the MOU and further specific initiatives will be identified for implementation.

The agreement with British Columbia complements a similar one made with the Government of Alberta in October, 1998, to improve the coordination of programs, opportunities and initiatives related to economic and human resource development. We also have similar memoranda of understanding with Manitoba and the Yukon.

We will continue to pursue such partnerships within the Canadian Confederation because they promote our respective and joint efforts to deliver programs and services to our respective jurisdictions in a more effective and coordinated way. GNWT officials are presently engaged in preliminary discussions that might lead to similar arrangements with one or more of the Atlantic Provinces.

Mr. Speaker, we are also paying increasing attention to the important role played by community governments in the Northwest Territories. The annual general meeting of the Northwest Territories Association of Municipalities was held in Fort Simpson on May 24th. This meeting was attended by a delegation from the Government of the Northwest Territories, led by the Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. The delegation included Ministers Ootes, Handley, Steen and I.

At that meeting, the Government of the Northwest Territories acknowledged that the member governments represented by the Association of Municipalities are the front line providers of programs, services and support to all residents of the 33 communities of the NWT. We acknowledged the essential role that community governments play in delivering programs and services to NWT residents.

Because of the importance Cabinet places on building strong relationships with communities, I have agreed to meet with the executive of the NWT Association of Municipalities to hear firsthand the Association's concerns and to engage in dialogue with them at their next executive meeting.

As well, the Honourable Roger Allen, Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, has traveled to at least ten communities to discuss general housing concerns. By working in partnership with community leaders to address housing issues we are supporting the development of local solutions to housing problems. Minister Allen is also working on the development of a Seniors' Housing Strategy, the initial stages of a subsidized Singles Housing Initiative, and he is exploring cost-shared social housing initiatives with aboriginal organizations.

As promised in Towards a Better Tomorrow, this government is committed to working in partnership with all governments of the Northwest Territories as we work together towards improving the lives of all residents of the Northwest Territories. Today, I want to reconfirm our commitment to partnerships with community governments and to ensuring that their concerns will continue to be considered and addressed by this government as we move forward with our agenda.

Mr. Speaker, a number of steps have been taken to strengthen existing relationships and to build new partnerships with key stakeholders.

As the Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, the Honourable Joe Handley worked decisively to resolve the Teacher's Collective Agreement. Ensuring a positive working environment for our teachers will increase job satisfaction and staff retention, which translates into a more enriching educational experience for our children.

The Honourable Jake Ootes also made a significant contribution to this effort through his work to build partnerships and facilitate frank and open discussion on issues of common concern through a series of meetings with district education councils and authorities.

Minister Ootes should also be recognized for his department's work with the Calgary Board of Education. Together, they have signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable NWT students to access more than 30 Internet courses through a program called Web Curriculum Tools. By increasing the options available to students, this partnership will greatly enhance the quality of education in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, a great deal of progress is being made with the federal government in our work on the social agenda aimed at improving the social well-being of our residents. The efforts of our Cabinet Ministers ensure that the federal government remains constantly mindful of the needs and perspectives of NWT residents.

On June 8th and 9th in Toronto, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, Minister of Health and Social Services, and the Honourable Jake Ootes, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, attended a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial social services Ministers. Ministers Groenewegen and Ootes were there to ensure that the NWT's interests were represented in discussions on the National Child Benefit Program, the development of the National Children's Agenda and disability issues.

Through her participation in the federal-provincial-territorial councils on social policy renewal, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, Minister of Health and Social Services, has been working to ensure the consideration of aboriginal involvement in national social policy initiatives.

Working jointly, the Departments of Education Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services are developing an action plan and Financial Management Board submission to pilot specific early childhood development projects. Although only very limited federal funding is available for such initiatives, we are hopeful that outcomes from the Canada Health and Social Transfer negotiations will allow us to expand our efforts in this important area.

The GNWT, working in conjunction with all provinces and territories, has called for the full and immediate restoration of CHST funding to 1994-95 levels. In addition, all provinces and territories have requested that Ottawa include an appropriate escalator in this funding to reflect growing costs.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, has been working over the past few months with her counterparts towards this goal. Although the details have yet to be finalized, I am confident that the outcome of these negotiations will be positive.

Mr. Speaker, in the 16 short weeks since we first met as an Assembly, the government has invested considerable effort in building momentum with business and industry.

On March 29th, for example, I addressed the National Roundtable on the Environment and Economy Task Force on Aboriginal Communities and Non-Renewable Resource Development -- an important gathering of industry experts and key government officials held in Yellowknife. It provided an opportunity to discuss the vast development potential of the NWT's natural resources. There we reviewed the importance of development to achieving a secure economic future for our residents and the need to balance the extraction of resources with protection of the environment, so that development is sustainable and our renewable resources are protected over the long term.

In April and May, I spoke to both the Calgary and Edmonton Chambers of Commerce about the significant benefits that can be expected by Alberta businesses if they commit to greater investment in and trade with the NWT. Alberta is our largest trading partner, and with the potential for oil and gas development and expansion of our diamond industry, there is no question that economic development in the Northwest Territories will be mutually beneficial to the residents of both jurisdictions.

At these meetings, the members of these Alberta Chambers of Commerce were encouraged to consider partnerships with their counterparts in the North, and to consider the NWT as a tourism destination in their personal and business planning.

On May 10th, a similar message was given to the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association when, at their invitation, I gave the keynote address at their annual conference in Calgary. The membership of this CEPA is made up of executives from the major players in the oil and gas sector -- people who may play an instrumental role in the development of a Mackenzie Valley gas pipeline and in the ongoing development of the Liard and Mackenzie Valleys.

The key players in the oil and gas industry are now aware that the NWT has come a long way since the days of the Berger Inquiry. We are a territory that is open for business in the non-renewable resource sector. Our only prerequisites are that oil and gas development brings jobs and benefits for the people of the NWT; that developments are carried out responsibly with care and concern for the environment; and that northern aboriginal people have the opportunity for equity participation in and management of the gas pipeline.

Mr. Speaker, our message was reinforced June 11th through the 14th, when the GNWT participated in the World Petroleum Congress in Calgary, Alberta. This premiere event for the oil and gas industry was attended by a delegation of Ministers and Members, headed by Deputy Premier Jane Groenewegen and Mr. Floyd Roland, chair of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development.

The united presence of Ministers and Members at this international event helped to reinforce the message that this government takes current and future oil and gas development very seriously.

With respect to continued momentum in the development of a northern diamond industry, the Honourable Jake Ootes, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Mr. Steve Nitah, representing the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, represented this government at the Second Annual International Rough Diamond Conference in Israel in late March.

At this event, which brought together 90 percent of the world's rough diamond producers, Minister Ootes gave a presentation on our secondary diamond industry and participated in a panel discussion. Representation at this conference laid the groundwork for future partnerships between NWT businesses and world-class diamond producers.

On June 5th in Yellowknife, Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development Minister Joseph Handley and Education, Culture and Employment Minister Jake Ootes met with President Charles Bornstein and representatives of the Diamond High Council (HRD) of Antwerp, Belgium. The Diamond High Council has proven to be an excellent partner which supported our vision for secondary diamond industries in the North when few others did. Together, we are working to establish a polished diamond grading facility in the NWT.

On June 6th, Minister Ootes and Commissioner Glenna Hansen traveled to Fort Liard to represent the GNWT and join the community, Acho Dene Koe Holdings and Chevron Canada Resources and take part in their "First Gas" celebrations. The linking of the K29 pipe to the Pointed Mountain Pipeline will bring lasting benefits to the people of Fort Liard. It exemplifies the achievement that can be reached when northern communities demonstrate initiative and determination in pursuing maximum benefits from the development of their natural resources, and when industry demonstrates a willingness to partner with northern businesses. I am very proud of the achievements of Chief Harry Deneron and the people of Fort Liard and hope that they inspire other Northerners to dream big and reach high.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT participated in the tourism industry's Rendezvous Canada, held from May 6th through the 11th in Calgary, Alberta, which gave us the opportunity to highlight the reasons why the NWT is beginning to become a destination of choice for visitors from all over the world.

At a time when the Canadian dollar struggles to compete in world markets, Canada has become a popular vacation option for Canadians, and a bargain for the international traveller. The time has never been better to let the world know that the NWT continues to offer tourists a unique and memorable travel experience.

We are committed to promoting the export of tourism products and services to enhance the diversification of the NWT economy and to support our local business community. As we move further into our term, we will continue to work with all of you on additional opportunities to market our tourism potential.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, as we work to realize our vision, the steps we are taking are gaining attention in the national and international spotlight. In this way, we are working to secure a more meaningful and better understood place for ourselves on the national agenda.

On March 29, the Honourable Roger Allen, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, announced the sale to Stebbins, Alaska of a seniors' complex that was developed using NWT expertise.

This $1 million complex is being built as a pilot project between the NWT Housing Corporation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Under the terms of the deal, NWT contractors are building the complex using local labour, NWT suppliers and manufacturers are providing the materials, and Aurora College is conducting pre-employment training for Alaskans who will work on the project.

Minister Allen also attended the 2000 North American Fur Fashion Exposition held in Montreal from May 3rd through the 6th. The Mackenzie Valley Fur Collection, which was developed to increase awareness of wild fur from the NWT, was a sell-out at this international event. Minister Allen participated in a panel discussion on the fur industry and lifestyles where he discussed the importance of the trapping industry to the livelihoods and traditional lifestyles of many northern people. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development continues to work within the Fur Marketing Strategy to increase economic opportunities for territorial residents active in the fur industry.

As part of the NWT trade delegation, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, the Honourable Jim Antoine, traveled to Alaska to represent the GNWT. The pilot project is a continuation of NWTHC efforts to market NWT goods and services to other parts of the circumpolar world. This type of undertaking not only highlights internationally that the NWT has world-class expertise to offer, it helps to build the partnerships that will ensure a diversified economy for the Northwest Territories in the years to come.

I should also mention that the GNWT, represented by Minister Ootes, has engaged in partnership with diamond industry representatives from Belgium, Germany, the United States and South Africa. This partnership has resulted in the first international standards for diamond polishers in the world. Again, the NWT has demonstrated it has the skills to be leaders in cutting-edge initiatives.

On April 4th, the business council on national issues, CEO Summit 2000, was held in Toronto, at which I represented the GNWT. These business council events, attended by key players in industry and business, the shapers of public opinion, allow us to educate others about the challenges involved in improving the well-being of Northerners, the opportunities we provide, the progress we have made and the assistance we need to reach our goals.

The NWT is gaining attention in the national press. In this way, we will be able to further inform the wider public and develop the identity of the Northwest Territories throughout Canada and abroad. Perhaps with the activity we are generating, we will come to be seen as an attractive place of business and industry, with an energetic, entrepreneurial population striving for unity and prosperity -- a "have" territory that is a contributor to the nation.

Mr. Speaker, sometimes success can be measured in small steps -- in the incremental measures of progress that move us toward achievement of our goals and fulfillment of our vision. When I last addressed this Assembly, I made a commitment to this House to put in place a way to measure our results in the next four years. I intend to stand up one day and report to this Assembly how the foundation of partnerships and solid, respectful working relationships that we have established are paying concrete, measurable results.

We are still in the early days. Before we can be measured by our results, we have to build relationships and earn trust. Today, I have shown this House how we are doing this preliminary work, how we are setting the stage and laying the foundation for achieving our goals. We are generating energy and enthusiasm. We are developing support for shared goals and initiatives and we are forging new bonds. This is the basis upon which we have started to build the momentum that will move us forward towards a better tomorrow. Mahsi.

-- Applause

Mahsi, Premier Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Minister Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the cadets we see here in the Legislative Assembly this week are representative of air and army cadets of the Northwest Territories. Some of the cadet units in the NWT have been in existence for over 35 years. Today, there are nine army cadet corps and one air cadet squadron in the Northwest Territories, where the cadets' program continues to enrich the lives of hundreds of our youth.

Therefore, today in the House, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the NWT cadet movement in the Northwest Territories.

The primary focus of the cadet organization is citizenship. It aims to develop in our youth the foundations of good citizenship so that they will become valued and contributing members of society. We need not look further for examples than the fine young pages that are here today in the House.

We have also seen the cadet displays outside put on by the Rae-Edzo Cadet Corps and by the two Yellowknife cadet units. This afternoon, at the break, we look forward to the reception and the demonstrations.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has also recognized the contributions that the cadet movement can make to the education of our youth. Through designated cadet courses taken at summer camps, cadets can receive high school credits.

The cadet movement depends upon a large number of volunteers. Volunteers lead the cadet corps and squadrons. Volunteers are active on parent or sponsoring committees and sit on league executives. I would like to pay tribute to those volunteers and thank them for their generous donation of time and effort. Their valued abilities and dedication are truly appreciated.

We would not have cadets without the Canadian Forces, therefore, I would also like to thank them and their northern based personnel for the tremendous work they do for cadets. It is truly appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I know that we all wish air and army cadets, their leaders and their civilian sponsors all the best in the future, secure in the knowledge that they have captured our interest and that they have our support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Allen. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Vince Steen will be absent from the House today and tomorrow to meet with the federal Minister of Transportation in Toronto, Ontario.

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this is National Aboriginal Day, I would like to make some comments on an issue that has been facing the Dene and Metis of the Deh Cho for many years. My statement today is on the Deh Cho proposal.

Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho proposal is not a land claim in the accepted sense of the word. Instead, it proposes that government institutions be based on Dene laws and values for the benefit of all of the residents of the Deh Cho region, including the non-aboriginal people of the Deh Cho.

The establishment of such governing institutions will fulfill the legitimate aspirations and rights of both aboriginal and non-aboriginal people of the Deh Cho. It is proposed that these community-driven institutions will have extensive powers, which will include, but not be limited to, those more commonly associated with traditional land claim agreements.

Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho process needs active support and promotion by the Government of the Northwest Territories. It is essential that the Government of the Northwest Territories keep an open mind and adopt a flexible, creative approach to the Deh Cho process as it unfolds.

Mr. Speaker, it is also very important that the Government of the Northwest Territories concentrates less on its own potential loss of powers and more on the legitimate interest of the Deh Cho people under consideration of the Deh Cho proposal.

The Government of the Northwest Territories shall not take a rigid approach. On the contrary, it should be as flexible and as accommodating as possible. Why is it, Mr. Speaker, that in separate negotiations between Canada and the Akaitcho, Canada and the Dogrib, and between Canada and the Deh Cho, it is the Government of the Northwest Territories that comes to be seen as the stumbling block to a speedy settlement of outstanding issues.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories should be playing a more supportive role in these negotiations or none at all. With regard to the Deh Cho, it is important that the federal government and the Deh Cho be given as much breathing room as possible in negotiations. It is important that this clear message comes from the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho sees mixed messages coming from the Government of the Northwest Territories. Indeed, it would appear that the GNWT has difficulty in defining its own interests. To add to the confusion, the bureaucrats are not saying the same things as the politicians.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Cabinet and the honourable Minister of Aboriginal Affairs to immediately adopt a more flexible and creative approach to the Deh Cho proposal. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Aboriginal Day, I would like to briefly reflect on Fort Smith as a possible model for what National Aboriginal Day is all about.

Mr. Speaker, Fort Smith, as you well know, is a multi-cultural community. About a third of the people are Dene, a third Metis and a third are people from many other places from across the world.

This is a community that has a tremendously long history of living together, of ties of blood and commerce and time together. Over the past five years, Mr. Speaker, there has been a clear recognition that there are three main groups in the community when it comes to decision making.

There is the community public government, the band and the Metis. Major issues are now discussed by the community leadership. We attempt to move ahead together. There have been agreements reached on how the DEA should be structured, with guaranteed seats and appointments for the band, town and Metis in equal portions. It is the same with the health board, as well as the housing board.

There has been a common approach in terms of developing the community plan and our strategy in trying to resolve the seniors' housing issue in Fort Smith. I think we are demonstrating by these actions that there is a great role to be played by the aboriginal governments at all levels, and we can work and live together.

We recognize and respect the roles we all have to play. We also greatly respect and admire many of the aboriginal models we have, role models in our community. To name a few, and not to exclude anyone, but some who just come to mind: Mary Hearn; Jane Dragon; and Maggie Kurszewski, fine elders in our community. Some athletes like Jonathan Kurszewski; Don True; and Joe Dragon, all of whom have demonstrated very well that they can compete at any level with anybody in the land or world.

In our community, we are tremendously proud to see the progress we are achieving in terms of self-government and land claims. Smith's Landing First Nation has recently signed a land claims agreement. This is going to be a tremendous benefit not only to the members, but to the community as well.

The Salt River First Nation is pursuing treaty land entitlement as well, as are the South Slave Metis with their negotiations for a settlement. When these are resolved, Mr. Speaker, in our neck of the woods, we will be able to get on with the other issues of the day, such as economic development, dealing with social issues and moving ahead as a community.

National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity to recognize all the good work that has been done by the aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories. I am proud to stand here today to say that our community is doing a fine job. The aboriginal governments and the aboriginal people, along with the non-aboriginal people, are demonstrating that we do have a strong future together in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, as we have heard from a number of my colleagues, marks a very special day in Canada. Here in the Northwest Territories, I think we can look to our people and the accomplishments they have shown throughout the Northwest Territories.

I myself, being an Inuvialuit and having the recent signing of the Concession Agreement in Inuvik that open lands, from an aboriginal perspective, shows that we, as a people of the Northwest Territories, are no longer the bearers of water and the cutters of wood. In fact, we are now the leaders in our own communities.

I think we should all look at ourselves and the accomplishments we have made today. The future only shows that there is room for improvement.

We have come a great distance since government first came to the Northwest Territories. I think we must be proud of that. To see that people are working together...I think today all residents of the Northwest Territories can celebrate with one another as to the richness we share in our cultures. Not only aboriginal people, but people of the Northwest Territories as a whole should celebrate together and not show fear of one another or mistrust, but instead a common understanding that we are a people of the Northwest Territories, sharing in our work and our responsibilities and being good examples for all residents.

It is positive to take a stand and show who you are and be proud of who you are. As well, it is even better to be humble in admitting we all have a long way to go, and there is a long road to travel.

With that, I would like to wish all of the residents of the Northwest Territories who are holding their celebrations the best of luck. Be proud of who you are and share your richness and culture. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a number of years ago in 1993, when I was a member of the North's esteemed press corps.

-- Interjection

-- Laughter

Did I say something? I covered the signing of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement-in-Principle in Iqaluit. I recall a remarkable atmosphere of pride and accomplishment shared by young and old, Inuit and Kabloona in the Iqaluit high school that day.

On May 6th of this year, Mr. Speaker, I attended the signing of the Smith's Landing First Nation Treaty Land Entitlement Agreement, in which, after 101 years, the Crown fulfilled the promises made in 1899 with Treaty 8.

As in Iqaluit, the same sense of pride and accomplishment swelled the walls of the small community centre at Fort Fitzgerald, as officials from the federal, territorial and provincial governments saluted the determination, leadership and integrity of the Fort Fitzgerald leaders, especially negotiator Francois Paulette and his brother, Chief Gerry Paulette, in achieving their goal. This is yet one more indication of the progress being made among northern people.

Not long ago, Mr. Speaker, support for First Nations claims was seen by many as a hindrance to the process of modernizing the North. However, today I believe that attitude has changed and continues to evolve. It goes beyond entrenching the rights of aboriginal people in the Canadian constitution. It is a process that I believe, over time, requires changing our own individual values to see the future, not relive the past.

The legacy we owe our children, Mr. Speaker, is to continue to negotiate the differences, values and priorities we have across the cultures of the North and create a foundation our children can use to build their own vision of a healthy, prosperous and united Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Merci beaucoup, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge National Aboriginal Day. I reflect back some 30 years ago when I first came to the North.

I had the opportunity to work in Hay River and Fort Resolution. We worked under the assumption that we had to have 80 percent local employees. I can remember the frustration we felt in trying to get workers and retain them for any length of time at the workplace.

I remember feeling the frustration and sensing the people had no sense of direction and not much self-worth. I am happy to say I have seen a great turn in that area over the last 30 years. The people are taking more control of their lives now. There are more and more people getting involved in industry, politics and in all walks of life.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Pat Martel, in his affirmation for another two years as chief of the Hay River Dene Band. I was very pleased to see there were nine people running for four positions on council. I think it shows a great indication that people want to get involved and take control of their lives.

I want to wish them all good luck. I think it is very important for young people to have role models when they are growing up. I would like to acknowledge one role model that I got to know while working in Fort Resolution by the name of Jim Bourque. He was very well-known for his involvement and support in the areas of renewable resource management and subsistence activities.

I am happy to see a Jim Bourque scholarship fund has been established to help aboriginal students pursue post-secondary education. I recently had a chance to visit the Head Start program with the Honourable Jake Ootes. I am sure the incredible success that program has will go a long way towards bettering the people.

In Hay River this week, through the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre and the Metis Nation Recreation Committee, there are all kinds of activities. I would like to wish them success in their activities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would also like to talk about National Aboriginal Day, and of the people I represent: the Inuvialuit; the Gwich'in; and the Metis people of the Mackenzie Delta.

As we know, they have a unique history. These First Nations people have been a group who have lived with hardship, living above the Arctic Circle in harsh conditions. Yet they have been able to survive with the elements around them.

The Gwich'in and Inuvialuit people have lived in the Mackenzie Delta-Beaufort Sea area for some 20,000 years. They have managed to survive with the understanding that they have to live in harmony with the wildlife, the environment and the elements around them.

They were able to survive by moving with the seasons to harvest caribou, fish, and whale. They were also able to sustain themselves with a unique style of government. They had a government in place long before this Legislature came about. They had headmen. They had elders' committees. They had people who were able to harvest for the elders, bringing back meat, fish, and caribou so they could sustain the family.

To us, family means your immediate family. To aboriginal people, it is a collective group of people. They take care of the whole family, the elders, children, grandparents, the widows. We have to realize the uniqueness of how these people lived, where they were battling with the effects of unemployment, welfare, and of being uneducated.

They had a system in place. The Inuvialuit and the Gwich'in have seen a lot of change. They have seen the impacts on the whaling industry, the gold rush, the fur trade, the residential schools, the imposition of government put on them regarding Indian Affairs and now the NWT Act establishing this government.

Through those changes, they were able to strive and meet these challenges. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may continue, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. The Inuvialuit and the Gwich'in were able to strive and meet the challenges in front of them. Yes, they received hardships and lost certain things along the way, such as their culture, language and some of their abilities, especially to harvest, with the generations to come.

A lot of people like myself do not feel proud that we are not able to speak our aboriginal language. We are seeing that more and more with the generations that are here and the generations to come. They have made progress in other areas, such as the Inuvialuit concluding their land claim settlement in 1984, then the Gwich'in following in 1992. There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure those agreements are lived up to and implemented as they were understood and signed by governments and the aboriginal people.

With that side, we have seen some accomplishments, especially with the Inuvialuit, on the economic side of businesses and also on the environmental management regimes that have been established for the screening and revealing of land-use permit plans.

The Inuvialuit and the Gwich'in have taken the next step to improve the well-being, health, education and social conditions of their people in the Mackenzie Delta. They continue to work along with the people to conclude the self-government negotiations, to establish a regional government in the Mackenzie Delta-Beaufort Sea area, so they can have a say in how programs and services are going to be delivered and improve the lives of the people they represent.

For me, self-government has always been there. It is nothing new. The First Nations people have been practicing this from time immemorial, long before the contact with the Europeans.

I wish all aboriginal First Nations across the country and within the Northwest Territories to continue to strive for success, and to show you are a governing government on your own. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize two people who are here in the audience who are celebrating 50 years of living and working in the North. They are very good examples of community leaders of this type. Two people who have made a great contribution to the North, Bishop John Sperry and his wife, Elizabeth.

Reverend Sperry is the former Anglican bishop of the Arctic Diocese, which covers all of what is now the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Northern Quebec. He was elected to this position in 1974 and held it until 1990 when he retired.

Bishop Sperry came from England to serve with the Anglican Mission in Coppermine, now known as Kugluktuk, in 1950. He and Elizabeth married in 1952 and raised their two children, Angela and John, in Kugluktuk, where they lived and served for 19 years. They were later posted to Fort Smith for four years.

Aside from ministering to the parishioners, John Sperry also translated the Anglican Prayer Book, the hymn book, the New Testament, Gospels and Acts into Inuinnaqtun, the language of the Kitikmeot Inuit.

He and Elizabeth also served with many volunteer organizations and provided medical help in the early days when the Inuit were devastated by epidemics like influenza and tuberculosis, to which they had no immunity at the time. There were no medical facilities in the North to treat them.

When doctors did come to see the people, John, who became fluent in Inuinnaqtun, often acted as their interpreter.

I feel privileged to join you today in expressing my heartfelt appreciation for all that they have done. People of such integrity, dedication and devotion do not appear every day. We are all very fortunate that the Sperrys have chosen to serve our jurisdiction. It is well known that we are lucky here in the Northwest Territories, because we are blessed with such fine community leaders, people who devote their lives to helping others.

I would like to acknowledge their presence in the gallery today, along with their daughter Angela and son-in-law Doug Friesen, and their granddaughter, Katherine. Welcome. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I may, I would like to change the topic a little bit to the issue of the budget. In what was otherwise a predictable budget yesterday, I was very surprised to see a proposal for a hotel tax of five percent being introduced. I want to take this opportunity to just say no to a hotel tax.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that it may very well be that this is merely a trial balloon that the Minister is floating up in the air to see how it will pan out. If that is so, I am here to tell the Minister that this statement, and my press release this morning, should serve as the pin that would pop the balloon and make it fall out of the sky.

Mr. Speaker, my concerns for this tax initiative are many. First of all, it will send out a totally wrong message to the tourism industry, penalize tourists and hotel operators, and add a whole new tax regime in the Territory.

At noon today on the news, it was reported that a tourism operator in Toronto will not send tourism buses to Inuvik because the hotel costs are just too high in the Northwest Territories. They have not even heard about the new tax yet.

Let us look at the facts, Mr. Speaker. Two of the largest groups using hotels in the Northwest Territories are government employees and Japanese tourists. The latter group has been steadily increasing and it is expected to grow again this year to about 10,000 visitors from Japan.

In most communities, government employees make up the bulk of the hotel users. In effect, the government would be taxing itself, and at the same time extending a very chilly welcome to tourists. That really does not send out a positive, welcoming message.

Another problem I have with this is that hotel operators will be forced into becoming tax collectors for the government. Mr. Speaker, after years of no action, we have been seeing lately new constructions of hotels and motels around the city, and this government is responding to it by turning them into tax collectors. That is not the proper way to say thank you to those business people who invest in our economy.

The time for Members' statements has expired, Ms. Lee.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

You do not have the House's consent to continue. Your time has expired.

-- Interjection

Ms. Lee.

Mr. Speaker, may I please have the unanimous consent of my colleagues to conclude my statement.

The Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude her statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and colleagues. I was saying, I do not think the hotel operators will be happy to be tax collectors.

Mr. Speaker, this tax initiative would create yet another regime within the government to manage more tax collection. I do not mind more jobs being created in Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker, not at all. What I do mind is that this is such an inefficient way of raising revenues.

I wonder, Mr. Speaker, by the time this government takes into account the staff they have to pay, and subtract the money it taxes on itself, how much net gain would it really have made from the proposed revenue of $1 million from taxation. I would guess maybe $500,000, and I would say if the Minister tried really hard, he could find it within the Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development budget of almost $75 million that he is asking for this year. That is, I will submit, less than one percent of the total budget.

The simple fact is that we have such a small tax base of hotel operators and hotel rooms. It is always expensive to set up a new tax system. For these reasons, I would submit that the net amount that will be collected by the government will be thoroughly outstripped by the burden it will create on the hotel users and operators. So once again, Mr. Speaker, I want to just say no to the hotel tax.

Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I strongly object to this tax for the wrong thing this government is going to do for the tourism industry. This sector has been long ignored and paid lip service at best. In the recent past, this sector has looked to the government for leadership to develop a comprehensive tourism strategy, increase product development and expand marketing and research. Instead, Mr. Speaker, this government is making it even more difficult for them to compete.

I must say, Mr. Speaker, I am deeply disappointed that the first initiative of this government in the tourism industry was to introduce a new tax. I intend to oppose it vigorously in the coming days and months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to go back to the theme of National Aboriginal Day. In recognition of National Aboriginal Day, Mr. Speaker, and with the concurrence of my fellow Member for Mackenzie Delta, I would like to speak of some very important aboriginal people from the community of Aklavik.

Mr. Speaker, quite often a community of this size experiences a lot of grief. In the past year, Aklavik has gone through such an experience. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally acknowledge a few people who worked hard to assist the community to overcome such grief. These people, Mr. Speaker, are the Reverend and Mrs. Chamberline Jones, the pastor of the All Saints Aklavik Church, who officiated at many of these funeral services.

Others who should be recognized for contributions to the community are Moses Qutek and Wilson Malagatee, who assisted in digging the graves many times. Two important people in Aklavik as well are Barb and Norm Larchy, who work very closely with the grieving families and dedicate much of their time volunteering during the funeral services.

There are also those who worked very hard to prepare the food. There are two specific ladies I would like to acknowledge, who I feel need special attention, Louise Akalnak and Florence Furlong.

Mr. Speaker, there are many others who should be acknowledged as well. I hope I did not miss anyone. I want to say that it is you people who make the community a healthy community and lessen much of the sadness.

I want to also make special mention of the Aklavik Singing Group, who often performed and lightened the community's spirit during times of sadness. I would like to close by saying I hope they keep up the excellent work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe today is a day to celebrate. In recognition of National Aboriginal Day, I wish to offer my congratulations to all aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories, especially to the Yellowknives Dene, the Dene people of my riding who live in the communities of Dettah and N'dilo, on the progress they have made in key areas over the past several years.

To highlight some of these: first as members of Northwest Territories Treaty 8, the signing of a framework agreement on June 14th in Lutselk'e, laying out the foundation for the negotiations to fulfill outstanding treaty obligations made 100 years ago at the signing of Treaty 8 in 1900.

Next, the Deton'Cho Corporation, for establishing the world's first aboriginal owned and operated diamond cutting, polishing and marketing facility. Just last week, they created 12 new jobs for the people in Dettah and N'dilo.

-- Applause

Also, congratulations on the contracts that Deton'Cho has been undertaking for mine reclamation in this area. I think they are doing very important work, not just in employing people, but also in cleaning up our environment here.

To Ekati Services, another company they have, which provides camp construction and catering services to various resource developers operating in the North, including Diavik Mines.

To the Yellowknives Dene Housing Division who, in partnership with the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, have constructed over $6.5 million in community infrastructure and quality, affordable housing for First Nation members in Dettah and N'dilo. They will also be constructing two seniors facilities, one in each of the communities, in the near future.

To Bouwa Whee Catering, who have secured the contract for catering services in the Legislative Assembly.

I take today to say congratulations and best wishes to all aboriginal people, especially the Yellowknives, who are working hard to make their communities and all of the North better places for all of us to live. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize that this week, our government has declared the week Senior Citizens' Week 2000.

On June 11th, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a Yellowknife Seniors' Society barbeque. It hosted the third annual volunteer appreciation barbeque for volunteers of Meals on Wheels and Lunch with a Bunch. This barbeque recognized the efforts of people who work in our community with seniors.

I have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, it was fortunate that I was there to hold up the side for the Assembly. Ms. Lee was in attendance flipping burgers, and managed to flip quite a few of them into the coals. I have never seen anybody burn burgers like Mr. Dent. It was fortunate that I was there.

Mr. Speaker, we all recognize the importance of seniors, but I think we have to become increasingly aware of the number of people who will be over the age of 65 in the coming years.

In 1999, in the Northwest Territories, there were 1690 people aged 65 plus. Our projections are that in 2019, that will explode to about 4400 people over the age of 65.

One trend, Mr. Speaker, that I think is reversing, is the trend of long-term Northerners retiring to the south. I know in my family, my parents used to spend summer vacations looking for property in the south. In recent years, I have noticed they are coming around and there is no way you can get them to retire out of Yellowknife or the Northwest Territories right now.

I think the government has recognized the importance of seniors, and I applaud them for appointing Mr. Steen as Minister responsible for Seniors. I would like to see them now take the initiative to expand the scope of this portfolio and look at seniors' housing, health care needs, palliative care. I think we are the only jurisdiction in Canada without our own palliative care legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge the government to continue in this direction. I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the impact seniors have on all of our lives. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Indeed, we do recognize the seniors. I myself am working very hard to become one.

-- Laughter

Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think most of us who have children are usually proud of them. Sometimes they do things that make us burst with pride. I would like to acknowledge my daughter Carmen, who came home the other day with a very special haircut from the Cops for Cancer effort, along with some colleagues of hers from Sir John Franklin School. I think they raised over $1400. My daughter, Carmen.

-- Applause

Congratulations on your efforts. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Susan Murray who is in the gallery. She is a constituent of mine who is a spectacular aboriginal businesswoman, an artist, a tradesperson, and an exemplary citizen in my community, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize several constituents. I hope I catch them all. Mr. David Colpitts, a former employee of the GNWT, one of my constituents, Mr. Ben MacDonald, and of course I would like to again recognize Bishop John Sperry and his wife Elizabeth, daughter Angela and son-in-law Doug Friesen, and their daughter, Katherine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Thank you, Mr. Nitah. Welcome, Mr. Bekale. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize one of my constituents, a lady who is well known to many of us through her work in the North, in particular with the CBC, Marie Wilson, and her mother Ellen Wilson. Thank you. Ellen is a regular visitor.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to recognize at this time in the visitors' gallery Lieutenant Colonel Kilburn, chief of staff, Canadian Forces; Lieutenant Commander Kirby, regional cadet officer; John Carter, director of northern training, Air Cadet League; David Colpitts, president of the Army Cadet League; Captain Steve Daniels, commanding officer, 825 Air Cadet Squadron; Captain Conrad Schubert, commanding officer, 2837 Cadet Corp; and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you my aide-de-camp for the day, Flight Sergeant Eddie Peart.

-- Applause

Colleagues, I have toured the cadet display this morning and tried my hand at target shooting. I hope you will all take the time today to try to beat my impressive score. With that, we will now take a break so MLAs can take part in some of the cadet displays and the tug-of-war that will take place.

-- Break

We are still awaiting the results of the tug-of-war. So, until then, item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is addressed to the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, and it is in regard to the department considering relocating the fire centre, forest management division, out of the federal building where they spend roughly $350,000, each year in lease payments to the federal government. I believe they are looking at building a built-in-the-north facility, which of course would be in Fort Smith, and keeping that significant amount of money in the North, rather than sending it to the federal government through lease payments. Could the Minister update us as to when this would go to Cabinet and if there are any unforeseen circumstances that may hinder this proceeding? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

There are no unforeseen circumstances standing in the way of this one. I want to assure the Member of that. We are in the process now of just finishing up the feasibility review on it, I expect over the next month or two we should have that together. We should be able to look forward to a decision shortly after that. I might add that we are very supportive of the proposal for the reasons that the Member just mentioned.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for that response. Just for clarification, Mr. Speaker, in previous correspondence, the Minister indicated that he anticipated that this would be taken to Cabinet in June, if my memory serves me correctly. Am I to understand him now to say that in fact it may take some more time, possibly not until July or August? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, yes. I cannot confirm right now that it will be available in time for the review by Cabinet and the Financial Management Board Secretariat in June, but we are moving it as quickly as we can. If it is not by the end of June, it will be certainly shortly after that. It is a matter of scheduling meetings to take it forward for a decision. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the two main proponents for this, supported by the community, of course, are the band and the Metis council from Fort Smith. They have been in correspondence with the Minister. I would like to ask the Minister if these two key players are being kept apprised of the progress. I have been approached and there is significant interest and concern. In terms of planning and scheduling, everything hinges on what decision the government makes. Could the Minister indicate whether they have been kept apprised of what is happening? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Minister Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I believe they have, but I will check that. If they have not been, then I will make sure we get a message to them. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In light of today being National Aboriginal Day, one of the areas that need more of a priority is the cultural aspect of aboriginal people, especially language.

Without the language, you lose the culture. It is important that this government does more to preserve and protect these aboriginal languages. It is slowly coming to a point where we have to do something crucially and critically to ensure they sustain those languages, and that these languages are carried on for future generations.

In our education system, we use English as the only language in government on the program delivery side. Yet very little effort is made by this government to enhance aboriginal languages.

I would like to ask the Minister responsible for languages and culture, who is also the Minister of Education, if there is a possibility of establishing a separate regime to deal with languages in the context of it being an emergency situation.

We have to do something within the term of this government. We have bounced this idea around. We have cut departments and done other things, but I would like to ask the Minister if he has a strategy to preserve aboriginal languages?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government does have an aboriginal language strategy. In combination with funding from federal sources, through the Canada-Northwest Territories language transfer payments, we provide $1.9 million a year to various aboriginal language groups throughout the Territories.

In addition, the territorial government has funding that it provides to schools, and there is also the approach of language emphasis and culture emphasis within the school itself. There is an opportunity for schools to provide for aboriginal first languages that requires course teachers to be fluent in the aboriginal language.

I believe that there is a tremendous concern out there in regard to the loss of languages. Dealing with the aboriginal language communities, we are working on a strategy on what needs to be done. Initially, some funding to each of the aboriginal groups has been provided throughout the Territories, and that has to be funneled into a coordinated and cohesive approach. Mr. Speaker, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We should realize we have a distinct number of aboriginal languages. We have aboriginal communities that are staying with those languages. In most cases in the 32 communities in the Northwest Territories, the money does not really meet the needs to serve all of those communities and all of those different language groups.

We can look at the French languages, where they receive truckloads of money poured into that. However, when it comes to aboriginal languages, they are scraping and clawing for funding. We are dealing with a crisis situation. We should treat it as one.

This government should come forward with legislation that ensures there is a separate system or regime to impose this legislation, so is has the teeth and the dollars to make it go. Will the Minister come forth with legislation to find ways to ensure the dollars we have and the dollars we need are made available for this emergency?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot make that commitment here today without doing a lot more work on this, and reviewing this situation with the language communities that are out there.

I can assure the Member that more and more in the schools, we are concentrating on ensuring that there is an aboriginal component which includes language. For instance, the Dene Kede program, which has been developed, has been presented from kindergarten to grade 7, and now is being expanded to grades 7 and 10. Inuuqatigiit is the Inuit equivalent.

As well, we are concentrating on ensuring that we get as many teachers entering the teacher education program through Aurora College. That is hopefully going to have some success for us down the road. There is certainly some concentration on ensuring that we revive these languages. In the case of the Deh Cho, I know they are bringing forth a proposal. They have just finished a study there and they are bringing forth a proposal. Until we get the aboriginal language community representatives back together, I cannot make the commitment that the Member is asking for at this particular time. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment is responsible for education, and I believe that is where his role should be. We hear from the people in the Deh Cho that they want to prepare and present programs which are strictly in their aboriginal language. We have seen it with the Dogribs in the Sahtu, such as Deline, where they have been able to do that with their curriculum. This government is responsible for developing that curriculum and ensuring the money that is put forth is being used in that particular area. It should not be moved around from one area for someone else to say that language is not important to me because I think you should learn French.

Pardon me, Mr. Krutko, could you ask the question?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell me what he is doing to ensure the money that is put in the education system is being used for aboriginal language?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

The funding that we receive is specifically identified for the programs that it is allocated to, Mr. Speaker. There are a variety of methods by which we are tackling the language program, as we said. The funding that we have available is through the transfer payment from the federal government, and in addition, we allocate money for use in schools and language communities. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister tell me how much money was lapsed last year in regard to the language program in the Department of Education, Culture and Employment?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have the exact figure here of the amount that was lapsed last year. I am just looking for the figures. The under-expenditure...I am not sure. I would have to take that as notice and get back to the Member on that.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. The supplementary has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Dogrib Addiction Strategy, For the Sake of Our Children, was a useful tool at identifying some of the needs amongst the Dogrib people. The Department of Health and Social Services did respond favourably to the strategy and committed to working with the Dogrib Community Services Board to find innovative solutions.

One of the interesting things that has transpired is that during the Treaty 11 regional meeting, $578,000 funding was committed to establish and implement the Dogrib Addiction Strategy. Also, the Department of Health and Social Services had sent a women's mobile treatment project as a pilot project for a three-week period, to Rae-Edzo under the Alternative Programming Initiative of our department. Mr. Speaker, this would provide valuable information on the success of this program, which the department could then use as we determine whether or not this was an effective way of dealing with particular gender specific addictions problems. There has been activity going on in the Member's riding with respect to addictions and we look forward to continuing to work with the Member on the addiction front. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Health and Social Services, Mrs. Groenewegen.