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.