Thank you, Mr. Roland. Good morning, colleagues. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the great Canada Day celebrations that were held over the long weekend in and around the city of Yellowknife.

The turnout we had at Petitot Park on Saturday was one of the biggest in my memory, helped by great weather and great spirit among our people. It was a real place of celebration. In particular, Mr. Speaker, I would like to send out my sincere congratulations to the 46 people who were sworn in as newly minted Canadians.

It was heartwarming to hear that the 46 individuals originated from no less than 25 different countries around the world, including Iran, Moldavia, Republic of China, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Vietnam and the Philippines. It reminded us once again of the depth of the multi-cultural nature of our city.

I would also like to congratulate our Commissioner, Glenna Hansen, Mr. Fred Koe, chairperson of the Canada Day committee, the staff of the citizenship office in Yellowknife, and the officiator of the ceremony, Mr. Bob Engle, himself a naturalized Canadian and a distinguished long-time Northerner, for a job very well done.

I was also fortunate enough, Mr. Speaker, to take part in the friendship dinner held for the benefit of visiting and host families for the Celebrate Canada in the Capitals program on Sunday night at the Great Hall. The visitors came from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Sachs Harbour, Northwest Territories. Going by the way the visitors spoke so warmly and emotionally about our city and our people, they seemed to share my view that Yellowknife is a little heaven on earth.

Mr. Speaker, we owe many thanks to the host families and the host committee for the outstanding hospitality given to the visitors. I would like to publicly thank Dale and Marty Peltzer, Sylvia and Wes Simmons, Yvonne Quick, Linda and Blair Dunbar, Chuck and Jocelyn Carruthers, and Altco. As well, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the organizer extraordinaire, Darlene Mandeville, and the host committee members, Paul Chang and James Wong. 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, the economic and social issues in the Territories go hand in hand to have a healthy economy, which leads to increased employment and less reliability on the social net and social envelope. It leads to increased ability for resource developers to create jobs and opportunities for Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, regarding the incentive policies this government has, I would like to know exactly how has it met the goals and objectives it has set to ensure the northern business community will be able to establish a business and take advantage of the economic opportunities, such as the Business Incentive Policy and the Northern Manufacturers' Directive and to ensure the government's Business Incentive Policy provides incentives to local businesses to promote and allow the companies to reinvest their corporate earnings back into the North through economic opportunities and strengthen our economy and improve the job opportunities for Northerners.

Regarding the activities this government is involved in, especially in Alaska, I have a lot of concerns regarding how that is being done and how it is benefiting Northerners, especially northern businesses and northern manufacturers. I would also like to know how is it that this government says on one hand, we have a policy and on the other hand, they tell us the Free Trade Agreement will jeopardize that policy. I thought the policies this government had in place were there to protect us and ensure we had some protection from the Free Trade Agreement to be able to carry out and conduct these policies that were grandfathered by establishing these policies before the Free Trade Agreement was implemented.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of the Housing Corporation questions on this matter. Thank you.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak briefly on the issue of the hotel tax. As a result of the reply received from the Minister yesterday, Mr. Speaker, very clearly the government of the Northwest Territories is always looking for opportunities to increase revenues so they can support better programs in critical areas like education and health.

As well, we know there has been an internal committee looking at options such as this. Last week, the Minister announced a hotel tax in this House. The idea of $1.25 million to be reinvested into tourism sounds good and positive on the surface. However, when I asked the Minister how much of that money would actually come from government itself, the reply I received indicated that $1.5 million to $2 million was what employees spend on accommodations in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, that is very low and is only part of the equation.

It does not capture hotel costs that are directly or indirectly incurred by government. For example, we have to look at hotel use by boards and agencies of government, including municipalities who get a majority of funding from government and medical travel which is paid for by the Northwest Territories. What about contractors and consultants who travel on GNWT contracts, where any hotel tax would just be added to the bills sent back to the government?

Mr. Speaker, in travels to different communities, hotels and bed and breakfasts are usually full of people on government business in one way or another. The Minister himself acknowledged that if you add those factors into the equation, it significantly changes the five to six percent he quoted in the House yesterday. Looking at potential revenues, Mr. Speaker, it might be better to look at how many tourists come to the Northwest Territories, which may give us a more realistic picture of actual revenue.

It is a legitimate exercise for the government to try to raise revenues. However, Mr. Speaker, the issue is, are we being realistic about net results? I would ask the Minister to consider tabling the calculations that clearly show how this $1.25 million in projected revenues was arrived at. People want to know that the government is using blue-chip information and numbers in its calculations. After four and a half years, Mr. Speaker, as an MLA, I can clearly tell you I am very familiar with how very fluid, almost like liquid mercury, the government fiscal projections can be. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Member for Thebacha is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In conclusion, I would just like to note that in a letter to the Premier dated June 30, 2000 from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, they indicate they are very concerned about the introduction of a hotel tax. In fact, based on surveys in other provinces, Members are calling for the elimination of this special tax. Members in Alberta are unanimous in their opposition for the tax and they believe the industry should not be singled out and forced to charge a sales tax.

There is also concern that rather than encouraging tourism, this tax deters tourism as it drives up the cost of accommodation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk a bit today on manufacturing in the North. Mr. Speaker, typically when we think about manufacturing, we have this picture of equipment and intense, large-scale operations. That is not always the case, and usually is not the case in the Northwest Territories. It is not just the larger centres in the Northwest Territories that have manufacturing in some capacity. Cottage industries like the production of arts and crafts also qualify.

When we look at northern manufacturers, we have to take a realistic look at the impact they have on our economy. These people create employment in the North. They pay taxes in the North. They contribute to our communities. Mr. Speaker, northern manufacturing ensures a lower level of leakage of money out of our economy. More stays here, Mr. Speaker.

This government has a northern manufacturing directive under its Business Incentive Policy, but does it adhere to it? There have been some questions in this House, specifically over a project in Alaska, as to whether the government is doing exactly what it is saying. I think, Mr. Speaker, the government has to adhere to northern manufacturing not only at home, but when it does business abroad as well.

There have been concerns that at times northern manufacturing can mean there is less money to go around, fewer homes can be built in some of the communities. I think we need to take a closer look, Mr. Speaker. There have been many suggestions and indications that northern manufacturers are very competitive and sometimes can provide a lower price than southern companies and their southern competitors.

Mr. Speaker, this fall when the government undertakes to do a review of the Business Incentive Policy, I hope they will keep in mind just how important northern manufacturing is, and ensure the Northern Manufacturing Directive stays with the Business Incentive Policy and is in fact adhered to. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as part of the Assembly's vision document, Towards a Better Tomorrow, we are looking to help foster self-reliant, healthy individuals, families and communities who are doing their part to improve the quality of their own lives and others as well.

As people make lifestyle choices, Mr. Speaker, more and more are making the choices for a healthier and more satisfying lifestyle. Last Monday evening, I met some of the ten Yellowknifers who are on their way back from the Calgary Marathon. Eight participated and completed the full 26 mile marathon and two more did the ten kilometre run. On the hottest day of the year so far in Calgary, all of the Yellowknife participants completed their race.

Of about 3,000 participants, the northern representatives made a good showing. I would like to compliment Francis Chang, Sheila Devine, Dan Daniels, Bernie Hughes, Sonya Zimmerman, Terry Chang, Starr Stinson, Michael Neary, Kyle Kelly and Kathryn Schenher on achieving their personal goals and completing this event.

I would also like to acknowledge the running and exercise programs of my constituents at Body Works Training and Rehab Centre on the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Through their learn to run programs, many citizens of Yellowknife have joined in this wholesome activity in their search for healthier lifestyle choices.

We also have events in Yellowknife such as the Terry Fox Run, the Run for the Cure, and the Young and Old in Step, an annual family walk sponsored by the seniors. They raise money, increase awareness and also exemplify the volunteer culture here in the North, whether it is holding a stopwatch at the finish line or passing out juice to the many walkers and runners.

The premiere event on the local calendar for runners is at the end of August, when the Yellowknife marathon and half-marathon are held. A large number of territorial athletes will compete and it will also attract a number of runners from across North America. It is just one example of how a few determined people, when they get together, can create another special event.

We have been challenged to enter a team, Mr. Speaker. They have already named us "You can run but you cannot hide." Perhaps we can ask our Clerk, the guy who sets the pace here, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Handley, the guy with the spiffy new finance footwear, to help lead our delegation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in this Assembly, we have heard much said about accountability. During the June 30th committee of the whole review of the Department of the Executive, some questions on accountability went across to the Premier.

The Premier's response, and I quote from page 864 of the unedited Hansard:

"That is exactly what it is we are trying to do and to make sure that in four years, those of us that wish to do so can go to the polls with absolute confidence that we have done a great job. That is the greatest accountability of all."

Following that, Mr. Speaker, I questioned the Premier, and I quote from page 867 of the unedited Hansard: "I would like the Premier to state what his definition of accountability is." And on the same page of the unedited Hansard, he started off by saying: "Thank you. I am going to ask for a dictionary so I can give them something that is universally accepted as a definition of accountability."

Mr. Speaker, he did not grab that dictionary to give me a definition, so I have done it here. From the Miriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition, "accountability: the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility; or to account for one's actions. "

Following that, the definition of accountable: "subject to giving an account; answerable; capable of being accounted for; explainable."

Mr. Speaker, we have had many questions during committee of the whole in discussion of departments' budgets and so on. Departments have provided some information. Some of that information draws concern, Mr. Speaker, as to the following of policies and guidelines of government. With that, Mr. Speaker, when the appropriate time comes, I will be asking the Premier and his Ministers about accountability. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join a couple of my colleagues today who have spoken about northern manufacturing. Northern manufacturing is an important contributor to the economy. If we do not develop it and support it, we could lose a significant amount of direct employment. With the multiplier effect, an even larger number of spin-off jobs.

The Northern Manufacturer's Association estimates there are 60 manufacturing firms in the Northwest Territories employing 600 people. As Mr. Bell has noted, there are countless others involved in manufacturing who do not even think that is what they do.

Someone who crafts birch bark baskets or who makes moccasins or the person who sews a parka to sell is also manufacturing.

Mr. Speaker, northern manufactured products are typically designed to meet harsh northern conditions, which also means they offer good potential for export. For eight years, Frame Lake included a large number of manufacturing firms and I worked closely with several to help them move towards marketing their northern manufactured items. Companies like Fiberglass North, marketing tanks, and who are developing fibreglass power poles. They are receiving requests for information from Europe and all across the Americas. Energy Wall and Building Products have just recently received national certification for their new wall system and are working on certification in the U.S. market.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, this government has spent millions of dollars helping northern manufacturers develop products. Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has had tremendous foresight in this area, and has helped generate a lot of jobs in the Northwest Territories through this support. However, Mr. Speaker, northern manufacturers are concerned that the support given by Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development may not be reflected by all other areas of this government.

Fuel tank manufacturers, fibreglass tank manufacturers and others are concerned that there could be a lot more commitment and support shown, for instance, by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. Mr. Speaker, we need a government-wide commitment to support northern manufacturers. Otherwise we could be wasting the good investments made by Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.

We need to know the Northern Manufacturer's Directive will be supported by all GNWT agencies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at the invitation of the MLA for Tu Nedhe, we traveled to Lutselk'e on Monday, July 3 to make a brief address to the youth who were attending a cultural summer camp. The youth at the Lutselk'e camp are learning about the culture and geography of the region, moving camp to historical camping sites so the youth may learn about traditional hunting areas.

Mr. Speaker, on July 4, we traveled to Rae with our host MLA for North Slave to assist in the opening of the Mackenzie Games. Mr. Speaker, it was a pleasure to observe these youth and join the freedom of being out on the land...

Mr. Allen, under the rules of Member's statements, Ministers are not permitted to make statements in the area of their responsibility. You are the Minister responsible for Youth. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.