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, 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.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, it is my sad duty to publicly say goodbye and Godspeed to a Yellowknifer who, along with her family members, has been a long time constituent of Yellowknife Centre. She was an inspiring young athlete who tragically lost her life during the weekend.

Mary Beth Miller died in Valcartier, Quebec, where she had gone to spend the summer training for the biathlon. Mary Beth came to Yellowknife from Ontario when she was only six years old with her parents, Mary Carol and her late father, Doug Miller.

She was in the French immersion program at St. Joseph's and later attended Sir John Franklin High School. She graduated in 1994 and also received the Top Female Athlete of the Year Award that year. She then attended Augustana University College in Camrose, but sports was always her great love and something at which she excelled.

She started out as a cross-country skier as a child, moved into cross-country ski racing and then on to the biathlon. Mary Beth represented the Northwest Territories and later Canada at four Arctic Winter Games, two Canada Winter Games, the North American Canadian Championships and two World University Games in Korea and Slovakia.

She also collected many trophies and awards, both in the North and internationally. Sport North named her Senior Female Athlete of the Year last year.

Mary Beth's long-term goal was to train full-time and qualify for the Canadian A Team. Those who knew Mary Beth describe her as dedicated to what she was doing, full of enthusiasm and generous with her time and her experience.

The Miller family has started a scholarship fund in her memory. The scholarship will be given annually to a female athlete in the NWT. I am sure all who knew Mary Beth Miller, either personally or from a distance as a very fine athlete and role model, will join me in extending sincere condolences to Mary Beth's family, friends and sporting comrades on her tragic and untimely passing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Indeed, the condolences of the House go to the family of Ms. Miller. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two returns. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Dent on June 26, 2000, regarding the expected student contribution of ten percent under the Student Financial Assistance Program.

The ten percent expected student contribution applies in cases only where a student is applying for a repayable loan. It does not apply to other forms of financial assistance such as grants, remissible loans or scholarships. A repayable loan is provided to students based on an assessment of their financial need. This need includes certain allowable expenses and takes into consideration income students receive for the four-month period prior to enrolling in studies. Since repayable loans were introduced in the Student Financial Assistance Program approximately ten years ago, there has always been a calculation of expected student contributions when assessing applications for repayable loans. We have reduced the expected contribution from 13 percent to ten percent under the new program.

Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr Krutko on June 28, 2000, regarding funding available for teachers who wish to complete their bachelor's degree or pursue other training or education.

The current collective agreement between the GNWT and Northwest Territories Teachers' Association, which represents teachers in schools outside of Yellowknife, includes a fund to provide financial assistance to teachers currently employed in the education system who wish to improve themselves professionally. Called the Central Professional Improvement Fund, it is administered by a committee with equal representation by the NWTTA and ECE. Each year, an amount equal to 2.25 percent of the gross basic salaries of all teachers in the system is designated to the fund. The fund for the 2000-2001 school year is approximately $504,000.

The fund has two components. Forty percent of the money is allocated to regional professional improvement committees for professional development conferences and workshops for teachers and principals in the regions. Sixty percent of the fund is retained by the committee to fund those teachers awarded year-long education leaves.

Approximately $300,000 was available to fund teachers on education leave in the 2000-2001 school year. Of the 17 applications received by the Central Professional Improvement Committee, five education leaves with allowance were approved.

Of the leaves approved, two were for teachers from the Beaufort Delta, one was from the Deh Cho, one from the Sahtu, and one from the South Slave. No applications were approved from the Dogrib Divisional Education Council.

When considering the applications, the Professional Improvement Committee looks for teachers with four or more years of continuous service as a teacher in the Northwest Territories, teachers completing work toward a first degree, teachers who have made a contribution to the field of education in the Northwest Territories, teachers with demonstrated support for school programs, leadership in the profession, community involvement, as well as letters of support from supervisors and colleagues. Previous professional improvement education leave is also a consideration of the committee.

In granting education leave, the Central Professional Improvement Committee is bound by the terms of the collective agreement. Teachers can also apply for education leave without allowance. This would give them the option of applying for and receiving benefits under the Student Financial Assistance Program. Teachers who are granted education leave without an allowance do receive some benefits from the Central Professional Improvement Fund. These benefits include paid tuition and funding for some travel expenses.

In the 2000-2001 school year, five NVVT teachers were granted leave without allowance. Two of the teachers are from the Deh Cho, two from the South Slave and one from the Dogrib Divisional Education Council.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 4, returns to oral questions. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Transportation, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Delorey on Wednesday, June 28, 2000, about whether the Department of Transportation had plans to move the aircraft fuel distribution tanks at the Hay River Airport.

To answer the Member's question satisfactorily, I will need to give a bit of background. Over the many years that Transport Canada owned and operated the Hay River Airport, the soil around the fuel distribution system was contaminated by fuel spillages. One of the conditions of the 1995 transfer of the airports to the territorial government was that Transport Canada accepted responsibility for any environmental damage on the airport properties that had occurred prior to the transfer. Today at the Hay River Airport, the former fuel distributor, under the supervision of Transport Canada, is remediating the soil contamination.

In the meantime, a new, environmentally friendly fuel distribution system has been installed by a new fuel distributor at a less convenient location across the air terminal apron from the former fuel distribution system.

The bio-remediation process will take at least two years for the bacterial microbes to digest the hydrocarbon contaminants. Should the Department of Transportation interrupt the remediation process prematurely, it would thereby assume the environmental liability from Transport Canada. For this reason, the department will not agree to re-locate the new fuel distribution system on the preferred former site before it is confident that the contamination has been cleaned-up satisfactorily and completely.

I would caution the Member that two years is an estimated forecast and not a firm date. The process is biological and subject to the variabilities of biological processes. In any case, nothing will be done at the site until the environmental situation has been rectified. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Steen. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is certainly a distinct pleasure this morning to recognize two distinguished guests, Shirley and Sharon Firth, ex-ski mates of mine at the 1972 Olympics, as well as Shirley's daughter, Nina Larson, and their niece Justine Firth. Welcome to the Assembly.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Allen. You should point out which is which.

-- Laughter

Indeed, welcome to the Legislative Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to take the great honour of recognizing Shirley and Sharon Firth for their long-term commitment to the Northwest Territories in the area of cross-country skiing. It has been quite some time since they have been back together and I would like to welcome them and thank them for their long-term commitment to the North. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize some visitors from Fort Providence, my wife Joyce, my daughter Shauna McLeod and her friend Destiny Thom.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. It is always nice to have family come to visit. Welcome to the Legislative Assembly. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Members and colleagues, with the indulgence of the House, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our Sergeant-at-Arms, Corporal Ouellette. Corporal Ouellette is retiring as of today to Alberta. He has served us in two governments and he is now taking this opportunity to pursue a different life with Mrs. Ouellette and family.

With that, I would like to, on your behalf, present him with a plaque in recognition of his service to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and to the honourable Members that he has so dutifully served over the years. Mr. Ouellette, thank you.

-- Applause

We wish you well and Godspeed in your journey.

Also, honourable colleagues and Members, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our new, acting Sergeant-at-Arms, Jay Bran. Jay was Sergeant-at-Arms here for the summer of 1996. He will serve us for the remainder of this term for sure. Please welcome him.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the pleasure today to recognize Ms. Denise Kurszewski from Fort Smith. She is a northern educator completing her masters degree. She is here in the gallery today. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Mr. Speaker, I too would like to introduce Denise Kurszewski, a northern born and trained, experienced teacher, and a good role model for many young people who want to get into that honourable profession. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to welcome everyone that has come to visit us today. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, As I mentioned in my Member's statement, there has been much discussion about accountability and how that will be applied to the 14th Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I pull from the Financial Administration Act, part 3 on appropriations. Section 27 states " No person shall incur an expenditure without the authority of an enactment."

Then I go to section 29: "The Minister of Finance shall submit to the Legislative Assembly, in accordance with section 25 of the Northwest Territories Act Canada, an appropriation bill for each fiscal year based on the votes and items of expenditures set out in the estimates."

Section 30 says "no person shall incur an expenditure unless it is pursuant to an appropriation and in accordance with the activity set out in the estimates on which the appropriation is based."

Mr. Speaker, I would like to know from the Premier, seeing as he is the head of government, the symbol that we all fall under in the sense of leadership and accountability, if he has defined, or if it has been pointed out to him, if in fact departments have gone outside of the rules set out, what would the Premier do to rectify the situation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the question is hypothetical. What would I do if that particular situation were to arise?

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will put some specifics to this. During the review of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development budget, there were intra-departmental transfers to different areas from operations and maintenance. One was for $236,000, one for $366,000, and then there is the whole area of the Development Corporation budget that was applied to them. In fact, $1.4 million of that was used in other places in the department.

So there were intra-departmental transfers that were not voted on at the time. I would like to know what the Premier is going to do in this situation when there are clearly incidents that have gone outside of the Financial Administration Act when there has been over $250,000 transferred within the department. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will take the question as notice. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. The Premier has taken the question as notice. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It stated in the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs establishment policy, the mandate of the Minister and the ministry is to protect, develop and promote the interest of the territorial government and the residents of the Northwest Territories in negotiations and implementation of land claims, self-government and treaty entitlement agreements. The political and constitutional development of the western Northwest Territories in developing and maintain mutual beneficial working relationships with the aboriginal leaderships.

I note the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs is not the only arm of the GNWT participating in negotiating tables, but Mr. Speaker, I note the mandate for negotiations and implementations of land claims, self-government and treaty entitlement agreements for the Northwest Territories lies exclusively with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.

This calls to question why the other arms of governments are participating. Mr. Speaker, there are seven active negotiating tables the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is participating in. I would assume each chief negotiator has a certain amount of authority when they participate in negotiations. Could the Minister outline for the House the authority or mandate that each chief negotiator for the seven tables has?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister be able to provide me with documents detailing the terms of reference on how each chief negotiator is to conduct themselves when he or she participates in negotiations?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Minister also describe for me the reporting process for the role of the chief negotiator and the role of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in Cabinet involvement?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is addressed to the Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, regarding the hotel tax. Mr. Speaker, this issue has received considerable scrutiny and debate since the Minister announced the tax in this House. The question for me is the $1.25 million in projected revenues, and the lack of clarity in terms of the calculations that were used to arrive at that estimate. I would like to ask the Minister today whether he would be prepared to table the calculations that have led to the figure of $1.25 million in revenues that will be generated in his estimation by the hotel tax. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly. No problem at all. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister for that commitment. I would like to ask him if he would be prepared to table that either today or tomorrow, before the House rises, so we have a chance to look at it in the ensuing summer months. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will table what I can now. I am assuming we are meeting today, tomorrow and Friday. I will do everything I can to have it tabled before this House closes for the summer. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my Member's statement, the economy and social issues go hand in hand. Mr. Speaker, a healthy economy means increased employment and less reliance on the social net, and an increased ability for resources to be developed to assist the needs of our people. I applaud the government's initiatives in other jurisdictions, such as Alaska, in increasing trade and investment. We need to ensure that northern businesses are accessing these opportunities, ensuring participation in the inter-jurisdictional joint ventures.

More businesses in the northern businesses means more jobs for Northerners. It is simple logistics, Mr. Speaker. This government's Business Incentive Policy provides incentives for local businesses on the premise that they will reinvest corporate earnings back into the northern economy. Reinvesting means strong economies and more jobs.

However, there is no guarantee that this policy applies to the government's business transactions outside the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I encourage this government to practice what it preaches at home and also carry it out abroad.

Mr. Speaker, when will the Minister of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation table a list of northern suppliers and manufacturers, including sub-contractors, that were used in the recent sale of a seniors' complex in Alaska? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am trying to get that information as soon as we can and table it as soon as we can. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a recent press release made by the president of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, it states that under the terms of the Alaska deal, Northwest Territories contractors will build the complex with local labour, while Northwest Territories suppliers and manufacturers will provide the materials.

Can the Minister describe what enforceable or accountable access to this information is in place to ensure northern manufacturers and suppliers and support services will be used in future trade initiatives in other jurisdictions? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the Member that we have considered and we had given 100 percent preference to northern manufacturers. As long as the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has the ability to tender out the projects, we will honour those obligations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a recent letter by the manager of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to local suppliers, it stated the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation has also supported northern manufacturers through the purchase policy. When will the Minister table the contract report that will provide: the total value of the contract; a list of the northern businesses that were used in the contract; and the amount of revenues generated for each of the listed northern businesses used in the contract for every transaction made by the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation outside of the Northwest Territories in the past five years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the work is presently underway to provide all the definitive answers to the question the Member has asked. We will get that to him as soon as possible. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be waiting for that information to be tabled. I would also like to ask the Minister a question regarding the government and the Business Incentive Policy and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Could the Minister tell me...he made reference that our policies do not apply because of the NAFTA agreement. Can the Minister explain that comment? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I will try to answer that as best I can. According to my information, the Government of the NWT can call for tenders from northern manufacturers if they issue tenders. If the tenders were issued from the State of Alaska, then we do not have any authority over how they govern themselves and their procurement policies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment regarding the investment that this government is making in training for pre-employment in the diamond industry.

In measuring the results that come from that investment, it was an issue that was raised during the election campaign, and more recently, one of my constituents is concerned and frustrated that, while she has taken this training, she has been unable to get employment in the industry.

My question, Mr. Speaker, are the graduates of directly related employment projects tracked to determine the success rates of graduates in obtaining employment in areas relating to that training? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To answer the question directly, I am not familiar with whether we track graduates of these particular programs. We have a pre-employment training program offered at the Aurora College campus here in Yellowknife, and I believe there were 12 graduates last year and some 12 or 15 this year. Many of them, I understood, had been offered positions immediately following their graduation. I am not familiar with this particular individual who has not been able to obtain employment, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am wondering to what extent the department or Arctic College works with industry to design training specific to the needs of the employers? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a pre-employment training program for the diamond industry. It covers areas such as how diamonds are mined and the makeup of diamonds. It gives the students an opportunity to move into either the mining field or the cutting and polishing area. There are also the polishing plants or occupational training of their particular plants where we provide assistance. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To return to a comment the Minister had about tracking the results, it is certainly something that we have been exploring in our budget reviews.

Will the Minister advise of any commitments that he has to track the results of graduates from these programs? Thank you.

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

Yes, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, I am not sure what tracking mechanisms are in place, but I will commit to ensure that we get that information and report back to the Member on that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and it relates to northern manufacturing. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask, first of all, does Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development have a policy financially helping northern manufacturing businesses develop in the Northwest Territories?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we have a number of policies that relate to support to northern business and most of these policies are followed up with programs. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister be prepared to give us some of the reasons as to why the department would have such policies and programs?

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, we have a number of policies to support northern businesses. The policies are in place to support the various needs that are there.

For example, we have a policy on business development funds that is broken into a number of programs to help people in smaller businesses. From small business grants and loans, all the way through to medium size businesses. We also have a process of Community Futures Organizations, which can make loans to businesses where in that circumstance at the regional level, loans are more appropriate.

We have a Business Credit Corporation, which deals with the larger businesses. Through the Business Credit Corporation, companies can qualify for up to a million dollars in a loan and that can be somewhat smaller or up to that amount.

We also have the Northwest Territories Development Corporation, which is there to help ventures that are struggling to survive and also to assist in the operation of subsidiaries, where although a private business may not be able to manage it financially, it is a worthwhile venture because of the employment it creates.

So there is a whole host of reasons why we have these policies, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister has confirmed, I think, the importance of these programs, particularly the economic diversification and job creation for northern manufacturing.

Will the Minister give us the assurance that all departments are aware of this government's investment in northern manufacturing firms and that they follow the manufacturers' directive? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. The honourable Minister for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, last week I confirmed that I would have the chairman of the Business Incentive Policy Steering Committee, the deputy minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, who chairs the committee, do a reminder to all of the departments that all government department agencies are subject to that policy.

If that has not been done already, then it is certainly being done within the next few days. I think, in that way, we can ensure that all departments are aware of it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member from Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question today for the Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Handley, and it is about the hotel tax.

When Mr. Handley first presented the hotel tax concept to Ordinary Members a couple of weeks before he unveiled it in the House, he gave us, at that time, his best estimate for what he felt it would cost to administer the hotel tax. I believe he said it was $250,000.

Can the Minister confirm if that is still his best estimate for what the administration of this tax will cost? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Handley.