Thank you, Mr. Roland. Please be seated. Bonjour. Good afternoon, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling Common Ground, the final report of the Economic Strategy Panel. Members may recall that the panel was appointed last June by then Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Stephen Kakfwi, to develop an economic strategy for the Northwest Territories. It was a complex undertaking and I commend the 17 members of the panel on their effort.

The panel represented a cross section of northern organizations with an interest in economic development. The panel's report mirrors this broad interest base and includes not just industry and sector associations' concerns, but those of aboriginal governments, as well as communities and organizations dealing with environmental and social issues.

Panel members put a considerable amount of time and effort into producing this report. Without the dedication and commitment of both themselves and the organizations they represent, we would not have such a comprehensive document to guide our efforts in building a strong and vibrant northern economy. This government intends to continue the cooperative approach taken by the panel in developing solutions to problems facing economic growth in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share this document with Members and the public. I look forward to hearing their impressions and comments on the recommendations contained in the report.

The panel's report provides a comprehensive approach to economic priorities and actions needed to guide our economic development efforts.

The work of the panel is already paying dividends for this government. An early draft of Common Ground enabled this government to begin work on a draft non-renewable resource development strategy to gain the interest of the federal government to invest in the North.

The Common Ground report, along with additional input from the public, will form the basis of a GNWT Economic Action Plan for those recommendations directed to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, it is my intention to table the GNWT Economic Action Plan during the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly this fall.

I will also reconvene the Economic Strategy Panel in one year's time to review progress made on implementing the recommendations contained in the report.

We hope to emulate the panel's success by continuing to work in partnership with aboriginal governments, industry and other Northerners for input and direction on future economic development initiatives; for example, the Tourism Strategy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite you and other Members to join me, panel co-chair Richard Nerysoo and Darrell Bealieau, and panel members in the Great Hall at the break for the official signing of Common Ground and a press conference.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past couple of months I have had the privilege to meet and talk to a number of our youth across the Northwest Territories.

In May, I had the opportunity to formally recognize four youth at a formal dinner jointly hosted by the Native Women's Youth Association, the NWT Council of Friendship Centres and the GNWT. This special event was held here in the Great Hall in conjunction with International Youth Week. The youth who were recognized this year include Jennifer Duncan from ColviIle Lake, Steven Raddi from lnuvik, Chelsea Simpson from Hay River, and Lisa Turner from Yellowknife. These four individuals all have displayed strong leadership and have served as excellent role models for the youth of the Northwest Territories. It is dedicated young people like these who will help move the North towards a better tomorrow.

On May 31, 2000, I was pleased to be invited as the keynote speaker for the official opening of the 2000 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. This was an excellent opportunity to pass on our message to over 1000 youth from across the North. An event such as this provides an excellent opportunity for youth of all ages to share their experiences with their peers from other parts of the North and also allows them to raise the level of their own self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.

I accepted an invitation from Samuel Hearne Secondary School in my hometown of Inuvik, to give a keynote address to the 2000 graduating class. I also traveled to Fort Resolution along with Steven Nitah, the MLA for Tu Nedhe, and spoke to the Deninoo School graduating class. Both of these special events provided an excellent opportunity for me to congratulate these students and to provide encouragement to continue their lifelong journey and inform them that the future holds so much potential for all youth and new graduates of today.

On May 29, 2000, the Students Against Drinking and Driving group provided an update to the Minister responsible for Transportation and his officials and myself. Information was provided on the organization's fundraising efforts and to also provide an update on the planning for the Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving Conference, which will be held in Yellowknife in March 2001. The students provided a very impressive presentation and demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment to this event. I was very pleased to see these youth contributing to bring awareness to this serious problem, not only within the NWT, but also at the national level.

Next weekend, the Lutselk'e Dene Band will be hosting an Akaitcho Territory Youth Camp. This youth conference's primary purpose is to bring youth from the Akaitcho Territory together to discuss common concerns and share ideas on how community and regional organizations could better support youth to maintain healthy communities. This youth conference will be conducted in an environment which allows for traditional activities, as well as a sharing of wisdom from respected elders from the Akaitcho Territory.

Over the summer, I plan to attend a youth conference in Hay River, and I am looking forward to hearing the views of our youth in the Northwest Territories. As leaders, we must remind ourselves the important role that youth play in assisting us in designing the future of the Northwest Territories. Youth are our future. As a responsible government, we have to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities to our young people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate a jewel at the centre of my riding, Range Lake North School.

Mr. Speaker, you may have noticed there are three classes from Range Lake North School visiting us today. Mr. Speaker, I must say one of the sweetest words I heard as a Member-elect was to be introduced as "Our MLA, Sandy Lee" in one of my visits to the school. I am very pleased we are able to have some of them with us.

In the last few months, Mr. Speaker, I have had a number of occasions to visit Range Lake North School. As you might have noticed in your many visits, Mr. Speaker, when one goes into the school, one is struck by a feeling of openness and interactivity, not only due to the design of the building, but the atmosphere created by the teachers, staff and students.

One of my visits to the school was to shadow a grade 3 class, known as 3M, Mr. Speaker. It was amazing to watch how some people out there start their day with 200 to 300 kids hanging on their arms, telling the teachers about what they had done the night before. It was a very different way to start the day than from how I start, which is usually in silence and reflection for the day.

Mr. Speaker, I also watched a grade 3 math class for 45 minutes, where they learned to do their arithmetic without lifting a finger. It was all done through the games and interaction between students. It was amazing to see.

I also saw grade 3 students writing a book on how to write a book. They had a book on how to develop a character, a story. They had built a rainforest within the class. It was an amazing learning environment that I saw.

Mr. Speaker, I also had the occasion to visit their family fun night in April. There were 300 to 400 parents and teachers, and all sorts of activities filled the building that would give the local Raven Mad Days a run for its money. I thought that it was a hidden treasure that the rest of us were not aware of.

Mr. Speaker, in June, I had the pleasure of attending their junior choir to hear Pachenbel's Canon being played by a string quartet. It was quite wonderful. They also did a musical...

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The time allowed for your Member's statement has expired.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to add that one of the things that they did was a musical production on the theme of how we are all different, and that is what makes the world interesting and fun to live in. The professionalism and the talent of that musical would give a Broadway producer a run for his money as well. Mr. Speaker, it is an extreme pleasure for me to have the classes from Range Lake North School visiting us today. I hope they enjoy what they see. I think it is quite appropriate that they are here, as we are going to be releasing a very important document later in the day. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. MacDonald, the principal of the school, and their able staff, as well as the Parents Advisory Group, headed by a very able Mrs. Linda Corkum. I would like to welcome all of the children here in the gallery and out there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement surrounds the question of children in care in public facilities. Mr. Speaker, many families have been torn apart because children have been taken away from their homes for all kinds of reasons and put into foster care and group homes. They then end up in young offenders' facilities, and eventually in public institutions, such as jails.

Mr. Speaker, this government must do more to realize that a family is a unit. At times, families have problems. We have to take more time, effort, and resources to assist families with their problems, especially families who find themselves on income support, who do not have the ability to assist in developing their families because of the lifestyle and conditions in which they live, mainly because of unemployment and a low economy.

Mr. Speaker, more has to be done with how this government deals with children. I have suggested looking at a youth advisory council in the Northwest Territories. We find many of our children today in institutions, in the streets, or in trouble with the law. Yet, Mr. Speaker, there seems to be no resources to help them out.

I think it is important for children who are living in foster care, group homes or young offenders' facilities to have the resources, help, and the ability to work out their differences with their families. As a government, we should have learned from our past experiences, especially with the hostels, where children were taken from their families for five to ten years. They had no connection with their parents and they lost their culture.

Mr. Speaker, this government has to do more to assist families when they need us. Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services questions on this matter. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to talk about some concerns that have been raised with me by my constituents about the new student financial assistance rules and how they are affected by them.

On Friday, I tabled a letter from a constituent of mine. I will not read it into the record, but I would like to paraphrase from that letter so that you can see what I am talking about.

"Mr. Bell, I am one of your constituents, and I would like to bring to your attention how the student financial assistance rules affect me.

This spring I completed the third year of a five year degree at a southern Alberta university and I intend to finish my degree and begin teaching in the Northwest Territories once I have completed my education.

I was schooled in the Northwest Territories from grades 2 through 12 inclusive, a total of 11 years. Under the old system, I was entitled to two semesters of grants for every three years I was schooled in the Territories. I obtained six semesters of grants, which was my limit. Under the new system, I would be entitled to 11 semesters of grants, one semester for every year of schooling in the Northwest Territories.

To my dismay, I found out that only students who are entering post-secondary studies for the first time qualify under the new system. I believe this to be a gross injustice to myself. Had I wasted away my last few years and just entered University this fall, I would be entitled to 11 semesters of grants, five more than I was entitled to under the old system.

Instead, I was a responsible person for the past few years, but I am unable to qualify for the grants under the new system. I understand that one has to draw the line somewhere, but surely to not include continuing students in the new system of grant entitlement does not appear just.

I hope you will review my case with the Minister responsible for Education and or bring up this injustice with the House, as obviously other continuing students are affected as I am."

Yes, indeed, Mr. Speaker, other students are affected in this manner. When we look up in the House today and see all of these bright young faces, we know that our government is looking after them and will take care of them as they go to post-secondary education, but what about their older brothers and sisters? Have we thought about them?

Mr. Speaker, as I go through the Northwest Territories' new Student Financial Assistance Manual, I realize that if I had just completed my fourth year of education, there is nothing left for me as far as grants. I cannot continue on. If I have only completed two years, I have three left. This simply is not fair, Mr. Speaker.

To this government, my constituents say "Let us not punish current students for their success". Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on my colleague, Mr. Bell's comments regarding student financial assistance. I have met, along with my colleagues, with students from the Student Association for the Northwest Territories. I have also received calls and concerns from many constituents.

The government is to be commended for making long overdue changes to student financial assistance, but a very clear area of concern is the interpretation of the legislation, the regulations and the policies put into place. Mr. Bell has touched on some of them. There are also some other very simple issues that I believe the Minister could, through his own direction, remedy, just by giving direction to do so.

Issues relating to direct deposit, the ability to choose a travel agent, and the very intimidating nature of the manual put out. It is over 100 pages long, and even my esteemed learned colleague, the former Minister responsible for Education, said he would be confused trying to apply for student financial assistance.

Mr. Speaker, the students are not asking for much. These are process issues, things that could be done administratively to try to alleviate some of these concerns. It is also possible, in my opinion, Mr. Speaker, that by decentralizing some of these authorities down to the career centres in the regions, the students would be better served in the regions and communities they are closest to.

It is very difficult to be dealing with impersonal fourth floor operations out of the Lahm Ridge Tower when you are from Fort Smith, Norman Wells, Sachs Harbour, or wherever you may be from. You could probably get a better level of service from the region you live in.

Mr. Speaker, the government has clearly made a commitment across the board to decentralize to the communities and to the regions. This is one program that, for some reason, they seem intent on hanging on to at the headquarters level. I believe there are simple, effective and efficient ways to deal with some of the students' concerns.

Like my colleague, Mr. Bell, I hope the Minister responsible for Education, when we come to his budget, will be willing to listen and make the necessary changes that he has the full power and authority to do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise to speak of concerns of my community on the capital plan of this government. I have worked positively, I believe, in my first term as a Member, and I try to do the same in the second term as a Member of the 14th Assembly. To date, on the capital side of the program, we have heard of the bad news in that the Aurora Campus project is being delayed in Inuvik. Another large impact to the community is the Inuvik Regional Hospital, and it is being changed from a P3 project to a traditional project.

I have asked the Finance Minister, as well as the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, to keep me up to date on this. I have had verbal commitments that this will not be put back any further. To date, I have not received any further information. It has been over a month since the news was out that the project has changed status. It seems that no one in the region is aware of where things are going.

I am trying to take the high road here and work positively, and hopefully have a positive outcome. Until I hear some positive news coming back from my Cabinet colleagues, I am going to have to take a more critical view as to what has been going on.

I have not been told of any other changes with the project. I have been told that it is on time, or that it will not be delayed too significantly, but that is a concern, especially when we look at our budget situation.

Mr. Speaker, I am aware that ever since 1988, this government has transferred $1 million per year for that project. I am also aware that over the next four years, there is another $16 million coming to this government for that project. Mr. Speaker, that alone covers over two-thirds, almost three-quarters of the project.

I would like to know, and I will be asking questions of the Finance Minister as to what is being done to move this project along. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- 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 Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to speak on a topic that was referenced by Mr. Bell and Mr. Miltenberger, student financial assistance. When we were reviewing the budgets and business plans, we met with the Minister earlier this year during the interim, and talked about the transition to the new plan. At the time, the Minister told us the department would grandfather students who were in the system. We thought this meant we would be looking after students who need grandfathering and students who needed transition.

Mr. Speaker, I have just consulted Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary. In there, it says a grandfather clause is "a clause creating an exemption based on circumstances previously existing." I understand this to mean, Mr. Speaker, that no one should be penalized when new rules are brought in.

Mr. Speaker, I have met with a number of students in the past few weeks. One student told me how she went to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment last fall and was told she would qualify for four semesters of grants. Based on that, she went back to university this January. Four months later, she was told "Whoops! You no longer qualify for grants under the new program. You only have access to repayable loans."

Mr. Speaker, I do not think that is our understanding of grandfathering. Under grandfathering, I think our committee believes that somebody should have been allowed to carry on under the old rules if they were more beneficial to them. They should not be penalized by the institution of the new rules.

I would like to comment, as Mr. Miltenberger mentioned, on the manual for student financial assistance. I think it almost takes four years of university to understand that manual. I do not know how people from the smaller communities, who may not have access to all of the resources of the department, will be able to complete the student application.

I think that needs to be simplified, and that this department needs to take a look at transition. As Mr. Bell said, let us reward success. We want to encourage Northerners to come back here successfully. We should see a transition that allows students who have completed their four semesters to carry on and get two more years of school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the very admirable and worthwhile work of the Yellowknife Rotary Club to make an impact on northern students at several schools here in Yellowknife.

Two years ago, the Rotarians initiated a program called Kids Ahead, and that is exactly what they are doing, helping kids to get ahead. It involves a snack program and a buddy reading system.

The Kids Ahead program is offered to approximately 70 grade 1 students in Weledeh and Mildred Hall School. These grade one students all get a healthy snack and a drink of either fruit juice or milk every morning at recess.

The Rotary Club of Yellowknife donates approximately $20,000 a year to the program, and raises the money through the sale of roses around Thanksgiving of each year, a program which is fully supported by the florist companies in town. Money is also raised at the annual rotary bike auction and the annual charity golf tournament, which will be held on August 11th.

The second part of the Kids Ahead program involves Rotarians and other volunteers who go into the schools to be a reading buddy, and sit and read with a grade 1 student for half an hour each week. It is recognized by the teachers that this is one-on-one reading is extremely beneficial to the students.

I would like to recognize Garth Wallbridge in the audience today, Mr. Speaker. He is one of the Rotary volunteers who is here with us. I join Mr. Wallbridge in urging everyone who has time and would like to read with a student for a half hour each week, to call any Rotarian and volunteer.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Yellowknife Rotary Club for the fine work they are doing and the tremendous contribution they are making to our young people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. There is a lot happening in your riding. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Before I go to the floor, I would like to recognize a former colleague, Mr. Richard Nerysoo, who is a former MLA. He is a former Minister, Government Leader and Speaker. Now, he is the president of the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Nerysoo to our gallery.

-- Applause

It is sort of like jewels in the crown, is it not?

-- Laughter

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize a constituent who happens to be a member of the Economic Strategy Panel, who just tabled their final report today, Mr. Jake Herron, the superintendent of MACA. He has a long, storied career with the government. He is a local Metis boy who has done very well, and he is a pretty fine golfer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize four members of the Economic Strategy Panel that are with us here today. Richard Nerysoo, who represents the Gwich'in Development Council on the panel. Vi Beck, who represents the NWT Council for the Status of Women on the panel. Jake Herron, representing the Northwest Territories Metis Nation, and Alphonsine McNeely, representing the Native Women's Association of the Northwest Territories. Welcome.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a young lady in the gallery, my constituency assistant from Hay River, who has come over to try and help me sort out the masses of paper we are getting in the last few days, Debra Paulo.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Thank you, Members. Everyone is certainly welcome to the Assembly. Thank you for coming to participate with us. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as in my Member's statement, I would like to try to get more information from the Minister responsible for Finance or the Financial Management Board Secretariat, on the situation with the Inuvik Hospital. Initially, the hospital was designated as a P3 project, or a public-private partnership. It has been changed. I know the reins of control have shifted back to the department.

I would like to know what is happening with the financing of the hospital and the incoming dollars from the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to the Member a few times about this project. I will say that on May 18th, we announced the project would not be proceeding as a P3 project because it was deemed to not have met the government's requirements.

Since that time, we continue to look at ways we can ensure this project stays on schedule. I can assure the Member we are open-minded to that. We do have limited resources. We have a limited capital budget. We have these projects, and it is important that they do proceed.

Right now, I can tell you we are open. At present, the schedule, if it continues to be a government/delivered program, would be that construction would begin in the summer of 2001, with occupancy happening in the summer or fall of 2003. I think this is within the parameters that were provided to us by the proponent putting forward the P3 project.

The federal money that is going toward this project continues to be available and dedicated to this project. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister state the total amount we have received, or will receive, from the federal government for this project? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I do not know the exact amount, but my understanding is there was $16 million. However, there may have been another piece of money that is also to be added to that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe the Minister refers to the new dollars that are coming into this government. What about the dollars since the agreement was signed back in 1988? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, those dollars continue to be available. I do not know off hand the exact amount. If the Member would like, I can get the exact amount for him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 6, oral questions, the honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are directed to the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment and are in regard to student financial assistance.

Could the Minister indicate if or what latitudes students have, in terms of direct depositing the funds that they receive from student financial assistance? Are they limited to one or two institutions, or do they have the latitude to direct and ask that their money and funds be put into the financial institution of their choice?

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

Mr. Speaker, that is a detail that I am not familiar with, unless the Member is asking for direct deposit to their particular account. The department is moving on a system whereby students will be advanced funding on a monthly basis, and that will be deposited in their account on the first of every month.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is good to hear that. I would just like some further clarification on that particular issue then. Are they going to be allowed to choose which financial institution the direct deposit will be made into, or are they forced to open accounts where they may not have a bank card just because the department intends to deal only with one or two banks? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have the answer to that question. I will have to take that part of the question as notice.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Oral questions, the honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minster of Health and Social Services. It is regarding my Member's statement. I have concerns with how families are affected when children are taken away and put into foster care and group homes, and eventually find themselves in young offenders' facilities.

I feel we have to do more to find ways of working out these problems between the children, their parents and also the conditions that a lot of families and parents find themselves, especially in many of our small isolated communities, where there are no real economic opportunities. They find themselves having to depend on income support, and are not able to afford the luxuries for their family and their children.

I have some concerns with that. I mentioned the problems we have seen in institutions in the past, particularly the hospital systems and the education systems that we have seen over time. We had the hospital systems where children were taken away on barges and never returned home for five to ten years. We have seen the Grollier Hall fiasco...

Excuse me, Mr. Krutko. Can you lead towards a question please? Preamble has already gone a minute and a half.

I am getting there.

-- Laughter

Because of these experiences, I feel that we have to do more as a government so it does not happen.

I would like to ask the Minister, what is the department doing to reunite families that have been put into foster care or put into group homes, or are finding themselves in young offenders' facilities?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the Member that the issue of children and family services is of very great importance to this government. We believe we have taken proactive measures, as a department, to address the issue of children who are at risk and do require to be put into care, either permanently or on a temporary basis.

As Members will remember from previous Sessions, we have taken the step of going out to the Child Welfare League of Canada to have a review done of the protocols and processes we have in place in the North for dealing with children who are at risk. We will be tabling that report here shortly. I am sure the Members will be very pleased at some of the recommendations. I will be looking for their support as we, as a government, try to find ways to re-profile and allocate more funds to the care of children. Certainly, I could not agree more that this is a major issue.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know a lot of parents have problems. What resources are there to assist parents to help them regain their children?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are resources available in communities surrounding community wellness, for counselling and services available to parents for parenting, to improve their parenting skills. Also, in many cases, parents are involved with a plan of care for their child while they are out of the home. They make commitments for what they might undertake to improve the situation, to enhance and expedite the return of their child to their care.

These initiatives are well known to the people who are on the frontline working in this field. Certainly, wherever possible, parents are encouraged to participate and assist in solving the problems which led to the removal of the child from harm in the first place. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Another area I feel is critical is in the cultural background of a lot of these children. I would like to ask the Minister, is the department working along with First Nation organizations with the aboriginal children that are being apprehended or relocated to different areas in the Territories? What is the role of aboriginal First Nations in the concentration of the department of those children?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is not always possible to place children in temporary placements in care where the foster parents are of the same culture, same language, same background, as the child in care.

As a department, we recognize the importance of involving the community in the plan of care and the actions that will be taken on behalf of the child and the family.

There are some impediments to this kind of thing because of the confidentiality often surrounding the issues which lead to the child being apprehended in the first place. However, I think there are proactive measures that we can take as a government to enhance the ability of, as you said, aboriginal governments and the community at large, to become more involved in addressing the problem.

Many times in small communities, there are issues of confidentiality, but most of the time in a small community, most people know what is going on anyway. So it seems kind of counterproductive to try and exclude people from being involved in helping to find viable solutions. I want to assure you, there are recommendations coming forward in the review of the child and family services legislation that speak about the involvement of the larger community in solving the issues. Thank you.

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister give us a breakdown of how many children are presently in care and where these facilities are located? Are they in the North? Are they in southern institutions? Can we get a list of where these children are in foster care, group homes, and young offenders' facilities?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. That is a fairly detailed question. Perhaps the Minister would be best to write the answer to that. However, Mrs. Groenewegen, you may answer it if you choose.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do have statistics here that the Member would probably be interested in seeing. It has a listing of the southern treatment centres for children, which facilities are accommodating children, and which region they are from. I could provide that to him. Also, we have a detailed list by region of children that are in different types of care.

In the interest of the limited time in question period, it might be difficult to read this information out. I will see that the Member gets a copy of it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Oral questions, the honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question goes to the Minister responsible for Finance, and it has to do with the hotel tax. Mr. Speaker, in the House he stated that the potential revenue for this tax is $1 million, after taking out $100,000 of operational expenses. He also stated in the House that he is committed to spending this money towards the tourism industry, for a tourism strategy, or something tourism related.

I wonder if the Minister could indicate who is going to get the money and who is going to decide who is going to get it?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned before, our intention to implement a five percent hotel tax, there will be consultations before there is any decision on how the money is going to be allocated or who it is going to be given to. As well, I did state that there are two priorities for use of the money. One of them is to increase our regional capacity and our regional ability in delivering tourism programs, and the second is advertising the Northwest Territories as a tourist destination.

Those are the two objectives. I want to talk with industry. I want to talk with tourism operators and the public in general before any decision is made as to who will get the money or exactly how it will be distributed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Minister states in this House that he is going to consult, he is going to ask, but his scope of consultation is always so narrow. He seems to have an idea as to what he wants to do with it already. He knows he is going to tax and he is going to plan later. He already has an idea of where the money is going to go.

Has he consulted with the industry? Do they agree that the need is regional capacities or marketing or anything? Has he consulted the industry before coming up with the tax, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I have had a lot of discussions with a lot of different people before announcing in the Budget Address that we are contemplating a five percent hotel tax.

The consultations continue. In fact, on late Friday afternoon, I met with the president of the tourism association. I also met with other people. Other people have called me and I am pleased with the support I am hearing from the tourism industry.

In terms of the directions on regional capacity and advertising, marketing the Northwest Territories as a destination, I have heard no difference of opinion. What I have made clear is that this money is not going to be used for administration. It is going to be used for enhancing tourism.

So I am continually talking with people. The tax does not come into effect until April, 2001, and we will use this period to determine how this tax is going to be implemented and how it is going to distributed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Speaker, he seems to already know what he wants to do. He is going to introduce a tax April 1st, and he knows exactly what he is going to do. So I do not even know why he even says he is going to consult. What more information is there? It is like Mr. Ford stating you can have any colour car you want as long as it is black.

Mr. Speaker, he stated already that the money will go to tourism. Is he willing to set up a separate fund earmarked for tourism, so that this money that he raises with this tax does not go to the general revenue fund? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No, I am not willing to do that. I want to consult with people. As I said before, there is a lot of consultation to go on before I can decide what kind of vehicle we will use or exactly how it is going to be distributed. We have several months here before we have to come up with a fixed way of doing it. So I will consult with Ordinary Members. I will consult with the industry. I will consult with anyone who is interested in it. However, I am not, today, going to commit to any particular vehicle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Mr. Speaker, many governments have said this. Fuel taxes levied were supposed to be spent on roads. Everyone knows that is not the case. Governments tax first and figure out how to spend later. How can he assure the public that he is going to do what he says he is going to do, which is spend the money for tourism?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I said what I am going to do. It is on record. I am going to do that. I am going to do consultation on the five percent hotel tax. I am going to hear what people have to say. That will determine exactly how this tax will be structured and designed. If I do not live up to my word, there is another election. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our department cannot commit any funding at this time for capital projects for a multi-purpose facility in the Dogrib area.

These things are developed and placed as priorities in capital plans. At this time, there is nothing in the planning stages for additional infrastructure in those communities. When we look at communities such as the Dogrib communities, we look at their proximity to health services like hospitals, in relation to how far away other communities are. I guess we have to look at the issue of cost and priorities. At this time, there are no capital funds targeted for infrastructure. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not aware of any specific analysis that has been done that would compare the cost of providing services locally versus services in Yellowknife when it comes to hospital services. That is something we could look at. To my knowledge, there is nothing like that on record. 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.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes. It would not be that difficult to look at the funding, which now goes to service the people of the Dogrib region with respect to medical services and travel. Those numbers would be fairly easy to pull out and compare with what it would be if those services were resident in the community. We could undertake to do that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. It relates to my Member's statement earlier today. It has to do with the grandfather clause, which, according to the dictionary, is a clause creating an exemption based on circumstances previously existing.

Mr. Speaker, when the Minister told the committee that existing students would be grandfathered, would the Minister agree that the intent was that existing students would not be penalized by changes to the program?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also stated that we have to take into consideration the costing of a model that would come into effect here. Yes, grandfathering was considered for those students who are in the system now, trying to complete their graduation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just for clarity's sake, could the Minister advise me whether or not the intent was to ensure that an existing student would at least get the same benefits they were receiving under the old program in the new program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Minister Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have to state again that it was pointed out that we have to take into consideration the costing of the model to do any grandfathering. I believe that was stated by me. Thank you.