Good morning, everyone. Before we begin the regular agenda, I would like to provide my ruling on the point of order raised yesterday by the Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Speaker's Ruling

The Member for Hay River South raised her point of order under Rule 23(i).

Rule 23 (i) states:

"In debate, a Member will be called to order by the Speaker if the Member imputes false or hidden motives to another Member."

The circumstances that gave rise to Mrs. Groenewegen's point of order are contained on page 529 of unedited Hansard of June 28, 2000. The Member believed that during Members' statements, the Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger, in making the following statement, imputed that she as Minister had hidden motives with respect to money that was appropriated by the Legislative Assembly.

The words that raised the point of order are contained on page 529 of unedited Hansard dated June 28, 2000, and I quote:

"it would almost appear that, when it comes to recruitment and retention, the Department of Health and Social Services has obtained public money from this legislature under false pretenses"

During debate on the point of order, the Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger, indicated that he had very carefully considered his comments and had qualified them and had not stated emphatically or definitively. In fact, he had used the words, "it would almost appear".

In considering the point of order, I considered the comments of both Members and went further to understand the rule which uses the words imputes and motives. Imputes means to lay the responsibility or blame or often falsely or unjustly charged. Motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

I am afraid these definitions are not very helpful to me in making a determination on the point of order. Also, Mr. Miltenberger's use of the words "emphatically or definitively" may have lessened his imputation and motivation.

I have also reviewed Beauchesnes's Parliamentary Rules and Forms, 6th edition, and Marleau and Montpetit's House of Commons Procedures and Practice for this ruling. I also considered, although Mrs. Groenewegen did not raise it in her point of order, that the use of the words "false pretenses" by Mr. Miltenberger might have been unparliamentary.

I would also like to note, for the benefit of all Members, that I will not entertain the argument that a comment that imputes motives or implies the uttering of falsehoods can be qualified by the use of carefully chosen words such as "it would almost appear". Approaching the line, so to speak, is the same as crossing it in matters such as this.

After lengthy research last night as the House sat late, I could not find a definitive authority to assist me with this ruling. Therefore, I wish to rule that the Member for Hay River South does not have a point of order based on the facts put to the Chair.

However, I would caution not only the Member for Thebacha but all Members to be cautious not to use words that may, if taken in a different context, lead to imputing motives. Thank you for your attention.

-- Applause

Good morning, everyone. I am pleased to recognize tomorrow, July 1, as Canada Day 2000, a very special day for all Canadians, a day to acknowledge the unique and special qualities that make our country what it is.

Canada is a country that is truly enriched by cultural diversities, from First Nations to people from every country in the world. Through this diversity, we have created a friendly, welcoming nation for all who live and visit here. Even as Canadians travelling within our country, we are overwhelmed at the friendly nature of our fellow Canadians from coast to coast,

This attribute is well established worldwide, and it is a trait to be truly proud of. As we celebrate Canada Day 2000, we should reflect on our multitude of heritages from around the world, the true wealth of our nation.

As we celebrate tomorrow together as Canadians, let us also celebrate the individuality that enriches our Canadian society. In conclusion, I wish to draw your attention to the colourful display in the Great Hall of Canada Day posters, submitted by students across the Northwest Territories. The winner of the poster challenge, Michelle Lavoie from École St. Joseph School, will be travelling to Canada Day celebrations in our nation's capital, where she will present flowers to the Prime Minister's wife, Madame Chretien.

Happy birthday, Canada. Bonne fete.

-- Applause

Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I swore today as well to clearly state that my name is Michael, and I am Canadian.

-- Laughter

I am very, very proud to be standing here in this House, in this land, and in this country of Canada, and that tomorrow is a tremendously special day, one of the best birthdays in the world. We do have a lot to be grateful for and I would like to take this time to acknowledge all the tremendous amount of hard work that people across the Northwest Territories and Canada have done who have been working on the celebrations that we are all going to take part in, tomorrow.

I would like to recognize, of course, the labours of the people in Fort Smith, where they are planning a full slate of activities, as we do take time, as a community, to celebrate a unique opportunity to reflect and to enjoy the many good things we have as Canadians.

Like my colleague, Ms. Lee, it is a privilege to be here and I hope people will take time to recognize that we are the best country in the world, we have much to be grateful for, and I am very, very happy as a Canadian to stand here today. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise here today to recognize the fine students from St. Pat's and Sir John High Schools in Yellowknife who graduated this spring. I was lucky enough to be able to attend both ceremonies and both were tremendous. I left the ceremonies feeling that we are certainly faced with a beautiful picture for the future, one that I do not think we have seen the likes of in recent memory.

Certainly, Mr. Speaker, I graduated from Sir John Franklin ten years ago. It was a proud moment for me, but I do not remember feeling the same kind of optimism that we see around us here now, at least economically, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to congratulate all the kids who have completed their studies in grades K-11, and are now out for summer break. As well, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the teachers, who worked so hard this year, and did such a fine job and are now, after spending the last couple of weeks working on report cards, I am sure are working on cleaning up their classrooms. We would like to thank them for all the work they have done this year.

So to kids and teachers, we would like to say enjoy your summer. You have done good work and we will see you in the fall. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, along with some of my colleagues here, I would like to speak a little bit about what tomorrow will mean to my family and I.

Mr. Speaker, I reflect back on growing up at home and my father, sitting down after a special meal, would remind us that we had so much bounty in front of us. That we were full and still had leftovers and he would point out that in other countries, in this world, there are people starving.

He would always do that to keep us mindful that we are truly blessed in this land. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is not just another day off, and I think Canadians need to remember that. They tend to take things for granted in the country that we live in, when things are so easy to access.

We need to reflect on the opportunities we have on the richness of our heritage and our culture. It is a time to remind our children of what we truly own as people and as Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an Inuvialuit, Canadian and proud to have my children raised in this land. I like to think that, being from the Northwest Territories, not only puts me higher on the map, but puts me in a special land because of the freedom we have, the clean air and my ability to jump into a boat and go out and live more freely, as one would say.

As Members, we should all remind our constituents and our families of the blessings we have, that we have more than any other place in this world. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to send a message back to my family and tell them, I will be there to share this special day, Canada Day, with them in my home. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today concerns difficulties being faced by businesses situated on the Hay River Dene Reserve.

Mr. Speaker, the Hay River Dene Reserve is a separate community from the town of Hay River. However, when it comes to the application of the Business Incentive Policy, with respect to the Government of the Northwest Territories tendering practices, it would appear that they are the same community.

Specifically, this means that the Hay River Dene Reserve businesses do not benefit from local preference or Government of the NWT contracts bid out for services on the reserve. However, Mr. Speaker, the town of Hay River itself recognizes that the reserve is a separate community. It requires those businesses based on the reserve to have a non-resident business license when they do business in the town of Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the NWT should be encouraging businesses to grow and prosper on the reserve by applying a local preference policy to resident reserve business when they issue public tenders. In such a matter, they will create business opportunity, employment growth, and investment on the Hay River Dene Reserve.

Mr. Speaker, residents and business owners on the Hay River Reserve also find it difficult to access funds available through the Business Development Fund and the Business Credit Corporation. The town of Hay River is the second largest community in the North. They enjoy the luxury of many types of businesses and services.

Mr. Speaker, the criteria to access business development funding does not allow for market disruption, but what this interprets to is that the reserve cannot start up any businesses that compete with any business that exists in the town of Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, the lack of banking services on the reserve when the difficulties that the banking sector has with providing funding to on-reserve businesses make it especially important that the Government of the NWT provide financial alternatives.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development should play a major supporting role regarding development on the reserve. It should start by listening to the concerns of the residents and the leaders of the community, and translate what it hears into a committed plan of action that will foster and sustain economic development for the Hay River Dene Reserve. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues have noted, tomorrow is Canada Day, an important day in the life of our country. A day to celebrate the birthday of our country, and also a day to celebrate citizenship.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, a special part of tomorrow's celebration here in Yellowknife, will be the ceremony that confers Canadian citizenship on a number of people. Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to salute a young woman, from my constituency, who demonstrates the finest qualities of citizenship through volunteering.

Melissa Fletcher has been living in Yellowknife for 12 years, and has just completed her second year of study at the University of Lethbridge. Melissa, who joins us today in the gallery, was recently selected as one of three youth in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to participate in the Canada World Youth International Exchange Program.

Melissa's exchange will begin in August, when she joins ten other young people from Canada and Sri Lanka, in Fernie, B.C. For three and a half months they will live with local families and be involved as volunteers in community based programs in Fernie. Then, Mr. Speaker, the ten youth will travel to Sri Lanka, for a similar three and a half month period to continue their volunteer work.

Mr. Speaker, exchange programs like these allow our youth to increase their awareness of local and global issues, strengthen their sense of responsibility and to become future leaders in our community.

I have met with Melissa and I know that she will be a wonderful ambassador for Yellowknife, the Northwest Territories, and for Canada. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Melissa and wish her all the best in her exchange. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my name is David and I am Canadian, and proud of it.

-- Applause

Canada Day is a day for us to celebrate the uniqueness of being Canadians. This day gives us the opportunity to see how lucky we are to live in a land so rich and so vast compared to other areas in the world. However, we have to realize that as Canadians, we must not lose sight of what we sometimes take for granted.

I feel, we, as Canadians, have to do more to bring the life expectancy of our First Nations people in-line with other Canadians, and we also have to deal with the problem in Canada of homelessness, people living in poverty, children having the right and security of having a safe home and a safe lifestyle.

We as a government and as Canadians, have to ensure that we have the best place in the world. We also realize that we have to bring the line between the rich and the poor more to the centre, so we can feel as one and we do not have a discrepancy between the rich and the poor.

So with that, I wish everybody a happy Canada Day. Take care, and all the best.

-- Applause

Mahsi, Mr. Krutko. Discours des deputes. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the eve of this national holiday, Canada Day, I am pleased to make note of the work that we are all doing to address a serious problem in this country, that of impaired driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, as they are known, recently published a report on provincial and territorial vehicle legislation across Canada, to champion their cause of deterring impaired driving.

A failing grade of F on the MADD report card was assigned to the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, of 22 percent, the lowest in Canada. The highest, by comparison, was Ontario, at 51 percent. The full report is easily pulled up on the internet site at their MADD Canada address.

Mr. Speaker, I was encouraged earlier this week to hear the Minister of Transportation outline his department's efforts to develop a strategy to reduce impaired driving, as a comprehensive approach to the problem of drinking and driving.

I was also impressed, Mr. Speaker, with the input of partnerships the department is building with other groups in the Northwest Territories to deal with this very serious issue. Included in the approach are a legislation enforcement, public education and rehabilitation.

During the last session, this Assembly learned about the Canadian Youth Against Drinking and Driving Conference in March, 2001, being organized by the Yellowknife students of that organization. Members of this House, including the Premier and Cabinet, met personally with the students to hear about their preparation and fundraising in support of the 11th annual CYAID meeting. It is a conference, Mr. Speaker, that could see as many as 500 students and young people coming to Yellowknife, and it could be one of the largest conferences ever in the Northwest Territories.

I am aware that Students Against Drinking and Driving have undertaken an extensive fundraising campaign and recently made a presentation to the Ministers of Transportation and Youth. At this particular time, major fundraisers are being sought, and the organization has been very successful. So far, Mr. Speaker. they have raised over $70,000.

The Minister of Youth and this government have been very supportive of the SADD program. I wish to compliment the Ministers on their initiatives in this portfolio. There is still much work to be done with regard to financing and arrangements for the conference, and I intend to raise this issue with the Minister later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Mahsi, Mr. Lafferty. Item 3, Members' statements. The Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Merci, Mr. Nitah. Item 3, Members' statements, the honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about the high price of fuel in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, this initiative is dear and near to the hearts of many of my constituents. In particular, those that are engaged in commercial fishing on Great Slave Lake. Mr. Speaker, this issue is also relevant to fisher persons that live in other communities and fish in Great Slave Lake. For example, there are commercial fisher persons that reside in Kakisa and Yellowknife. As you can well see, Mr. Speaker, this issue of commercial fisher persons paying a road tax for fuel is truly a Northwest Territories matter and not exclusively in the domain of Hay River although I am aware that the majority of commercial fisher persons currently fishing on Great Slave Lake reside in Hay River.

Mr. Speaker, I have recently attended numerous meetings of the Northwest Territories Fisherman's Federation to hear their views and opinions. Mr. Speaker, during these meetings, officials representing the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development have addressed the Northwest Territories Fisherman's Federation that RWED is currently developing a Great Slave Lake Fishing Strategy. Mr. Speaker, this strategy will have a direct impact on the livelihood of all commercial fisher persons on Great Slave Lake.

Mr. Speaker, the department has approached the Northwest Territories Fisherman's Federation for their input towards developing this strategy. I wish to acknowledge and commend the department for this effort. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Fisherman's Federation and many of my constituents have requested that the department and this strategy address the issue of paying of road taxes to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, as you are undoubtedly aware, one of the most significant costs which commercial fisher persons incur is the price of fuel.

Mr. Speaker, commercial fisher persons require fuel to operate their boats on the lake during the summer season and their bombardiers on the ice during the winter season. None of these activities involve the use of Northwest Territories roads. Yet when they pay for fuel, they are also paying for Northwest Territories road tax. Mr. Speaker this issue has been brought to the attention of the government on numerous occasions. The government has not provided an effective solution to this problem. I am proud to be here to represent the fishermen of Hay River. I look forward to this Canada Day weekend, and to spending a few days in my riding. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Merci Mr. Delorey. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I would also like to speak on Canada Day today and the celebration of citizenship. My parents emigrated from Holland after World War II, when I was a young boy. They came to create a better life for their two children, my brother and I. We came on an immigrant ship and landed in Halifax. We travelled from Halifax over a two-day period, on a coal-fired train to the Ottawa valley. We lived in a one-room log cabin in the country and my brother and I attended a one-room school. We felt very fortunate. This country has been very good to our family. We are very lucky. This is the best country in the world, Mr. Speaker, there is no question about that.

The United Nations has acknowledged that some eight times. It is based on a comparison of some 175 countries in the world and some 100 criteria in terms of education, lifestyle, health services, and so on. People from around the world want to come and live in this particular country. They are, all over the world, very anxious to be citizens of our country here.

I would like to publicly thank my parents for bringing my brother and I to this country. I would like to thank this country for what it has done for my brother and I and my family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements, the honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise today to make a Member's statement and to state, Mr. Speaker, that I also am proud to be a Canadian, proud to be a Northerner and proud to sit in this Legislature.

As Mr. Krutko so eloquently said, we have much work to do to bring about true prosperity, true equality and true freedom for Northerners. We sing in our national anthem the line "the true North, strong and free", and that should be the motto of the efforts of this government. Strong, rich in culture, rich in resources, rich in people, but also free, Mr. Speaker. Our people need to be free. Free to pursue their goals and aspirations, free from fear, free from the things that would bind them, such as addictions to drugs and alcohol, free to access every opportunity available to them.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to put forward my best effort, along with the honourable colleagues in the Legislature, to make our country, particularly the citizens of the Northwest Territories, strong and free. Happy Canada Day.

-- Applause

Merci, Madam Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh Mr. Antoine.

Merci, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During my time as a Member of this Assembly, I have had opportunities to travel abroad, to Russia and the far East. It is during travelling times that you become aware of how good a country Canada really is. The freedom we have and the ability to move around freely within our country is not reflected when you go abroad. You realize that they do not have the same opportunities. You then become more proud of the country you are from. In particular, Mr. Speaker, I think that it is most evident when it is time to return to Canada, you really appreciate that you are returning home. It is really good to see Canadian soil from an aircraft from high above, and you know that you are returning to a country that is free.

One of the things that I have also realized is the value of a Canadian passport. It seems to be a very coveted document. Many people would like to be able to possess one. I was kind of proud to have that document in my possession. I will be returning home to take part in celebrations on Canada Day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Bell on June 27th. Later today at an appropriate time, I will be tabling the Peoplesoft audit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery, the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, today for the first time, the city of Yellowknife participates as a host for the Celebration Canada in the Capitals program. So in the next few days, six families each from a different province or territory are here to visit Yellowknife to explore our country's diverse culture and heritage. In turn, we have dispatched 13 families from across the Northwest Territories to other capital cities in the country to celebrate Canada Day.

I would like to recognize the folks who have taken the time to visit us today. From Swan River, Manitoba, the Better family; Anita, Harvey, Ben and Kay. From Fort McMurray Alberta, the McBatridge family: Randy, Sharon, Katherine and Sara.

-- Applause

From Prince Rupert, British Columbia: Julia Watts, Dorothy Young, Crystal Young, Raymond Gunnal.

-- Applause

From Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories: Teddy Elias, Yvonne Elias, Margaret Lennie.

-- Applause

From Charlottetown, PEI: Craig Walker, Joanne Walker, Nick Walker and Joal Walker.

-- Applause

From Whitehorse, Yukon: Calista Warner, Susan Warner, Wayne Mattheson and Melissa Mattheson.

-- Applause

Thank you very much for taking the time to join us.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly. We truly have people from coast to coast to coast and everything in between. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nunakput Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is not too often that I get the opportunity to recognize some of my constituents. So I too would like to recognize Teddy Elias, Yvonne Elias and Margaret Lennie. I would like to welcome them to the House. As I have stated earlier, they are here to take part in Canada Day events with the families from coast to coast to coast.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the constituent I spoke of earlier today in my Member's Statement , Melissa Fletcher. I would also recognize another constituent I have not seen for awhile, Yvonne Quick, who is with the Celebrate Canada in the Capitals program, obviously helping others hosting today.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am at a bit of a disadvantage, I cannot see her, but I am advised that Renee Lamoureux, who is an advisor with the St. Pat's Students Against Drinking and Driving, is in the gallery with us today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize two constituents of mine in the gallery, Blair Dunbar and Linda Dunbar. May I say, Mr. Speaker, they are long term residents of Yellowknife, a strong backbone of the volunteer community in Yellowknife, and part of the team of Capital Canada.

I would like to recognize Blair and Linda Dunbar. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. The Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A question for the Minister responsible for Youth. As the Minister knows, from a recent presentation by the Students Against Drunk Driving committee, major sponsors are being sought for the CYAID conference in Yellowknife next March. The students have outlined a very professional budget, somewhere in the neighborhood, I understand, of $200,000 to present this event. They have targeted the Government of the NWT as one of the potential contributors, to the tune, I believe, of $35,000.

The Minister is seeking funds from within government. Can the Minister advise this House of funding that the Government of the NWT is able to commit in support of the CYAID conference? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The Honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to inform the Member today that we have sought financial income support to be provided to the Yellowknife chapter of SADD.

As the Minister responsible for Youth, I have asked that we get the response back by today, June 30th. As of yesterday, I am pleased to advise the Member that we have received, from the Department of Transportation, $10,000 plus income support. We also received confirmation from Education, Culture and Employment of another $10,000. We expect to have some form of inclined proportional support from the Department of Finance.

We will continue to work and seek more financial assistance from other participating departments.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Excellent news. Can the Minister inform this House of other initiatives that he might be able to take to provide support to the SADD organization and this conference? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The Honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I can confirm the Member's question. I have and will approach other provincial and federal counterparts to keep our strong lobby effort going to ensure that this conference becomes a success. It is important to the Northwest Territories as well as other jurisdictions across Canada who will continue to work with our Members here in the House, and our departments to ensure that we have fun and complete this fine effort. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is also for the Minister of Youth. I received a call earlier today from a young lady in Fort McPherson, who is trying to work with the youth, but she is finding it awfully frustrating to access different programs to assist them to deliver different initiatives and opportunities for the communities, especially with the summer programs for youth.

I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Youth, is there any booklet or list of funding projects that may be out there, so community organizations or individuals working with youth find it easier just to go on? Who are the contact people? How much money is in the different programs? Do you have a list of those programs so that it is more accessible to communities?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have tried to compile all the information on the number of funding agencies with the various departments. Unfortunately, to this date, we have not. We had projected that perhaps we will have that ready by September 1st, but it is an ongoing process.

Our executive assistant has been working with the social envelope group to try to compile that information and present it at a later date. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Maybe the Minister can help out if he can identify an individual, or someone within the department, that these people can contact, so that they do not have to phone their MLAs, or try to lobby the band.

Is there a person within the department who someone can contact to get more information on what programs are open?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently, I would advise them to contact our executive assistant, Mr. Tom Williams, to inquire about the information necessary to apply at the various departments for funding. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Are there any regional youth programs available in the Inuvik region that they can access?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this moment, I can only advise the Member that they should inquire to the various departments, specifically to their interest. We are trying to compile this information so we can disseminate it to various members of the communities. At this point, that is all that we can really do. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister identify how much money is available for the youth at the present time?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for Youth, Mr. Allen.

Mr. Speaker, I am sorry, I could not provide that information at the moment. As I said earlier, we are still trying to find out the funding agencies and what is available to the public. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 6, oral questions. The Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Health. Earlier this week, I asked her about an overall strategy for mental health and addictions. The question was taken as notice, so I will not ask the same question, Mr. Speaker.

However, I have constituents who come to me with concerns about what this government is doing for people who are trying to deal with addictions and mental health issues.

I am wondering if Mrs. Groenewegen can tell us what kind of priority, the government feels this should take. What they are doing to deal with this? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, mental heath and addictions is indeed a priority of my department. At this present time, we are developing a territorial strategy. As I have mentioned previously in the house, during this Session, there is over $7 million in funds, which are allocated out of our budget, to deal with various initiatives to address addictions problems.

We are trying to take a very holistic approach, examining linkages between mental health, addictions, family violence, and suicide. We cannot look at addictions in isolation because, as all of us know, there are many underlying causes to addictions. So we are trying to take a holistic approach, an inclusive approach. Also, we are cooperating with our non-government organizations to make sure that we come up with the best strategy available. Then, the next step will be to identify the cost of implementing such a strategy. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the answer. I have to tell you, I am glad to hear that a strategy is in the works. I think it is critical. I have discussed this with some of my constituents and they have made the comment to me that surely the government cannot have a strategy, unless the strategy is one that involves shutting down facilities.

I am glad to hear that the department is making this a priority and doing something. Can the Minister tell us when we might see this strategy? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is anticipated that the strategy will be finished by April 2001. That may seem a ways off, but we do have to do some groundwork to ensure that we get things right. One of the those things is a Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey, so that we can assess the magnitude of the problem and come up with areas where we might access resources for this. Thank you.

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

That does seem a ways off. I am glad to hear that they are doing a needs assessment survey. Can I ask the Minister if the department is doing this in isolation or if they are actually consulting with communities and with NGOs? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a Territorial Steering Committee has been set up, and it involves representatives from the Department of Health and Social Services; Education, Culture and Employment; health and social services boards; the Canadian Mental Health Association Northwest Territories Division and community-based drug and alcohol projects.

So we are seeking input and direction from these other organizations and partners. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Final supplementary, Mr. Bell.

Thank you. I am glad to hear that. Given the urgency, and that April 2001 is certainly a ways off, I am wondering if the Minister has looked at reopening some of the facilities we so desperately need before that time? I do not think we can wait, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said previously, the government does make significant investment in dealing with mental health and addictions issues at this time. Those initiatives will continue in the interim, and probably will not be enhancing the level of services now until we complete this strategy. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 6, oral questions. The Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are three of four points that the Member brought up, and I will try to address them.

First of all, have my staff ever driven the highways? There is no doubt, Mr. Speaker. That is one of the requirements of the highway foreman position, that he must actually drive those highways to envision the highway conditions himself. Based on this, it means a lot as to what sort of maintenance he would then put in place to address the conditions of the highways that he has experienced.

As to whether or not Highway No. 3 is in better condition than Highway No. 4 is certainly a matter of opinion. It is like horseracing. Everybody has a different opinion of it. If you were driving Highway No. 4 every time, I would have complaints steady to my department from people living out on Highway No. 4, that Highway No. 4 is in very rough condition. They would say Highway No. 3 is in good condition.

I do not know. The department tries to respond and I take comments that the highways are not safe quite seriously. This is the second such comment I have heard in the last few days. I must say that I immediately contacted my department when I heard these comments. We are of the opinion, Mr. Speaker, that these highways are safe if you stay within driving conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.

We must emphasize that we cannot always immediately address potholes as they appear, because it takes time to respond considering the amount of personnel and equipment we have to do these jobs. We do make every effort to assure the highways are passable and safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to assure the Member and the House, that I do not believe that my staff needs me riding on them all the time to ensure they do their job. I believe they do their job. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the question is not clear to me. I wonder if I could ask the Member to repeat his question.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Mr. Lafferty, if you could just ask that same question again so the Minister will understand it. We will not dock you for it.

Mr. Lafferty, put it the same way.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to have the department supply the Member with that information. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Final Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my department does have modern vehicles, I suppose you could use the word, and we appreciate that there may be a difference between older vehicles that people drive versus what we drive, in reference to how rough the road may feel if you do not have a vehicle that is up to date. We do appreciate that.

Again, we emphasize that the condition of the road and the condition of your vehicle decides the speed limit that you drive, not what is posted. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to follow up on the question being asked by the Member for North Slave in regard to the safety of Highway No. 3. I am not understanding what the Minister is saying, Mr. Speaker. Is he saying that when Members of this House, who drive the road every day and come in and say that the road is not safe, is he saying that he is going to disregard the statements from the Member and go by what the department is telling him, which is saying that it is safe?

Is that what the Minister is saying, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what I am trying to say here is that the department does take into consideration, and I take into consideration, statements made by Members in this House as to the safety of the highways and the condition they are in. We then take that and we compare it to what we have experienced ourselves. We have certain standards that we apply in order to judge whether a road is safe or not.

All we can do then is go back to the Member and ask him for specifics as to the problem that they have experienced. So it is a combination of everything, Mr. Speaker, as to what the department does in the end.

If we feel that it does require more maintenance, then we will do that. We do have standards to meet and we do meet those standards. Thank you.