Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Good afternoon, Members. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is not an exaggeration to say that tragedy has touched each of our lives over the past month. Last Saturday, several hundred people gathered at Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife to celebrate the life of Terry Bradley. Even though many were still feeling the shock of his sudden absence from their lives, Terry was remembered fondly as a man who devoted his life to education.

Mr. Speaker, Terry arrived in Yellowknife in 1991 when he accepted the principalship of JH Sissons School. He also found time to serve in an administrative role for the French first language school, Ecole Allain St-Cyr. Those who knew him recognized this as a labour of love that culminated in the grand opening of a new French school in 1999.

Kids loved Terry and so did their parents. Terry's creativity and patience inspired a generation of young people, instilling in them a desire for lifelong learning. As Minister, it was a pleasure to be part of the tribute paid by Education, Culture and Employment in June, 2000 to Terry and his wife Marie-Claire for their dedication and exceptional contribution to the growth and development of French language education in the Northwest Territories. It is a tribute richly deserved.

Mr. Speaker, Terry will be missed but his legacy will live on. A week ago today, the Northwest Territories held its collective breath, waiting for word of a plane that had gone missing between Yellowknife and Fort Liard. When word came that the plane had been found, everyone hoped for the best while preparing themselves for bad news. Sadly, the news was both good and bad. While three people survived the crash, Mr. Speaker, sadly, Sean Toner, Sally Bertrand and Daniel Lomen did not.

Mr. Speaker, Sean Toner will be remembered as someone who touched many in Fort Smith with his friendly, low-key approach to life and to people. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time hunting with friends. Sean received most of his elementary and high school education in Fort Smith. He was in the second year of the Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic Program at Aurora College. He was employed by Beaver Enterprises at the time of his passing.

As many of you already know, Sally was the band manager in Fort Liard. She also delivered the Income Support Program in the community on behalf of ECE. Sally is described as someone with an outgoing personality who was a pleasure to work with. Our sympathies are with her husband and young family.

Mr. Speaker, another passenger on the flight was Kim Deneron. Kim survived the crash and is listed as recovering and stable in an Edmonton hospital. A graduate of the Aurora College Teacher Education Program, Kim went on to acquire her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan. An excellent role model, Kim is in her second year of teaching in Fort Liard. Kim, each of us, and especially your students, are anxious to have you back in the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts go out today to all of those who have experienced loss and sadness as a result of these events. On behalf of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and Aurora College, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of Terry, Sean and Sally and Daniel. We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Kim, Stanley and Brad. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about my work in this Legislative Assembly. I was elected by the people of Hay River in 1995 and acclaimed by the residents of Hay River South in 1999. Since then, it has been my privilege to serve as a Member of Cabinet and I have embraced the work of my portfolio with enthusiasm and with passion for the issues.

When I got elected to Cabinet, I brought with me a record for standing up for what was right, taking the high road and leading by example. Perhaps partially as a result of my work in the previous Legislature, my activities have been particularly closely scrutinized. I am not going to get into the matters that have been considered by the special committee or the ones that will be considered in committee of the whole at this time, but the recommendations have been brought forward in the House and I do respect the work of the special committee. I want to say that I will not be participating in that discussion or the vote today.

I feel that in order for any Minister to be able to perform their duties effectively, they need to maintain the confidence of their colleagues in Cabinet and the Members of this House. It is clear from this report that I no longer have that confidence.

Mr. Speaker, there has been no actual conflict between my duties as an MLA and my business dealings. There has been no fraud or mischief upon this government or the people. There has been no flagrant abuse of my role as a Minister or the resources of this government.

However, Mr. Speaker, the taping of the conversations with the Conflict Commissioner is wrong in the nature of a private wrong or a breach of privacy, for which I apologized and I apologize again today. It is, I submit, human frailty to have taken my defence to the point where I would tape conversations and act entirely out of character for me in my dealings with you and other Members of this Assembly.

I would like to thank my colleagues who supported and elected me to this position. I want to thank my constituents for their support and patience when I have not always been able to be in Hay River over the past two years. I would like to thank my department and the people I worked with closely in my roles and responsibilities for Health and Social Services, Seniors, Persons with Disabilities and Women. I particularly enjoyed my Grandmothers Council and my staff and I also want to thank my husband and my children who have always been my biggest supporters.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on the other side of the House on behalf of my constituents and on behalf of the people of the North. I know that my track record of service has not been entirely negated by the unfortunate circumstances surrounding this report, however, I will work hard to rebuild the confidence of my colleagues and hopefully sometime I will be back. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year marks Canada's air cadet movement's 60th anniversary and while the official birthday was April 9, 2001, activities will be held by individual squadrons throughout their anniversary year, which ends May 30, 2002.

The movement came into being in 1941 in response to a critical need for trained young men to fly in defence of freedom. Since then, nearly one million young Canadians have participated in air cadets.

In partnership with the armed forces, the movement has provided wonderful opportunities for many of our youth. In fact, Mr. Speaker, although it may be hard to tell from my hair colour now, once upon a time, long ago -- long ago -- I was one of those young people and was fortunate enough to obtain my private pilot's licence because of air cadets.

Some interesting facts that Members may not know is that one out of every five private pilots in Canada at the present time is an ex-air cadet and 63 percent of commercial airline pilots flying today got their start in air cadets. Approximately 28 percent of the flying, technical and administrative members serving in Canada's Air Force today have had some air cadet training.

Mr. Speaker, last year one northern cadet earned his wings and is now a registered private pilot, while another completed glider flying training. The Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut boast four squadrons and roughly 150 young Northerners proudly wear the air cadet uniform.

Each squadron is supported by trained reserve officers of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as a group of dedicated civilian volunteers, parents and sponsoring organizations.

The focus of today's air cadet movement is on citizenship and leadership, with an orientation towards aviation. Through cadet training, young people from ages 12 to 19 learn the value of initiative, self-reliance, discipline, teamwork and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, as a point of interest, Yellowknife's squadron is the only group of cadets in Canada who still keep a 24-hour vigil at the cenotaph on November 11th, a tradition that the cadets feel must be continued.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the officers, instructors, parents and the air cadets for their dedication in helping young Canadians successfully meet the challenges of our Territory and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all Members join me in congratulating the air cadets movement on its 60th anniversary this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Dent. I trust you will be recognizing people in the gallery a little later on that very issue. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring some attention to a segment of our population that very much deserves our accolades. Mr. Speaker, the people I am referring to are the firefighters throughout the Northwest Territories. Whether they be career firefighters or volunteer firefighters, these brave men and women who give selfishly of themselves in the very worst of times should be recognized by our government.

Mr. Speaker, during the recent tragedy in the United States, a newscaster commented that in an emergency situation when everyone else is running away from the area, the firefighters are running right into the emergency. Nothing could be more true. Firefighters risk their lives for us on a daily basis without giving a second thought for their own personal safety.

Mr. Speaker, in the case of the Hay River Fire Department, the department is comprised entirely of volunteers. They currently have 24 members. For the year 2000, Mr. Speaker, these brave men and women tended to 54 fire calls. They also had 160 ambulance calls, which included motor vehicle accidents. In addition, they transported 165 medevac patients.

Mr. Speaker, these statistics are extremely impressive when you consider that these volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is in addition to working full-time jobs and having families.

Mr. Speaker, I propose that this government should institute a recognition program for our firefighters that properly acknowledges their many years of dedicated service to their communities.

Mr. Speaker, there is currently no tangible form of recognition bestowed on our firefighters from our territorial government. I propose that this government design special medals to be presented to our volunteer firefighters for five-year increments of service. I further propose that this government match the federal government's initiative of a tax-free allowance for our firefighters. In addition, I propose that our firefighters receive a special licence plate that distinguish these individuals in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I recently met with the Hay River Volunteer Fire Department to hear their concerns. Overwhelmingly, the thing that I heard from them, Mr. Speaker, is that...

Mr. Delorey, your time for your Member's statement has expired.

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

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Mr. Delorey, you may continue.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the overwhelming thing that I heard from them is that yes, a recognition program would be wonderful, but above all the best thing that we as legislators could do for them would be to provide them with the equipment they require to do their jobs. This says a lot for the way they see their role.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is high time that this government step up to the plate and provide our firefighters with the recognition they so rightfully deserve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to inform my constituents in Inuvik Boot Lake that my office in Inuvik will be closed, only for the reason that my assistant is down here in Yellowknife assisting me for this week and learning the ropes around this Legislative Assembly. I think it is an opportunity for her to learn the process so that when she does deal with my constituents when I am away from my community, she will be able to better assist them.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to send greetings back to my wife and children. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to briefly talk to the issues of hydro, specifically hydro in the South Slave.

Mr. Speaker, the Taltson River system has been identified as an existing hydro generation facility. It has the capacity to be expanded. There has been a significant amount of work done by the government in terms of reviewing the technical issues and the marketing issues but, Mr. Speaker, I believe it is now time for the government to come to Fort Smith and meet with all the concerned groups, the community leaders, the aboriginal governments and the citizens of the region so that we can discuss the issue to see what is possible, to see if in fact there is support for this and what the plan would be to move this ahead. It is critical at this point, given the emphasis on energy and on hydro, that this be done in a timely fashion.

I have written to the Premier a number of weeks ago and he was going to consult with Minister Handley. Later today, on that particular issue of hydro, I will be asking the Minister some questions.

As well, Mr. Speaker, on the issue of hydro in the South Slave, I understand that recently the Alberta government has dusted off the plans for the dam across the Slave River. Mr. Speaker, when this was looked at over 15 years ago, what was contemplated was a riverbank, the riverbank dam that would have generated close to 2,000 megawatts of power. There would have been enormous impacts. The downstream impacts -- I shudder even to think what they would be on the Slave, on the Mackenzie, on the whole Northwest Territories. Now we have a recently signed reserve and treaty land entitlement arrangement with the Smith Landing people. Will all their land, or big portions of their land, be flooded?

Mr. Speaker, the whole issue of hydro is one that we have to pay very close attention to. While the Taltson has the potential to be a good project, it is small, it is manageable and its impacts would not be hugely significant in terms of the environment. The issue of the Slave River is one that should be of significant concern to every Northerner because we are going to be the downstream recipients if that were to go ahead as initially proposed. There are major environmental implications that I think would have an irrevocable and negative impact on the Northwest Territories.

Later today, I will be asking the Minister if he could speak to those issues. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of this House an issue that I have raised several times. There are petitions tabled in this House with some 135 signatures from the residents of Aklavik requesting that they replace the curling rink, which has been condemned and has been shut down for several years. The facility is over 25 years old.

Mr. Speaker, I have raised this issue several times in this House. There have been public meetings with the hamlet council and officials from MACA in the community of Aklavik to see if there is a possibility of ensuring this will come to light. In the meeting that was held in Aklavik last spring, it was clear that in 2002-2003, there were going to be monies available to develop the rink and also in 2003-2004, to begin the construction and completion of that curling rink.

Yet, Mr. Speaker, nowhere in the new capital plan expenditures that have been raised through this new concept of allowing the deputy ministers to determine which capital will be built in our communities without input from the MLA or from the communities. Yet, Mr. Speaker, we state that there needs to be community input, there needs to be more openness. We talk about community empowerment. We talk about regional initiatives but this is a good example of how communities and the government could work on projects to improve the life and social conditions in our communities.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I have written letters to the Minister responsible with no replies on this matter. With that, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister a question on this matter later on. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As it is officially Small Business Week in Canada, I would like to make some comments today on small business in the Northwest Territories and some of the problems they face.

We have many small businesses here in the Northwest Territories. The majority are located in the larger centres of Yellowknife, Inuvik and Hay River. However, we have many small businesses in our communities. The small business owner is required to be familiar with all aspects of running a business. This includes being familiar with the products and services one is providing, marketing of their goods, dealing with customers, maintaining and understanding financial records, dealing with lenders, banks, accountants, lawyers and government.

While many of these small business owners are providing excellent products or services, they lack some of the management skills or resources to effectively operate their business. Statistics associated with the failure of small businesses confirm that approximately one-third fail within the first year of startup. By year five, approximately two-thirds are out of business.

Mr. Speaker, the reason for such failure is lack of management, experience and resources. Small businesses that start up often find themselves undercapitalized, which results in immediate problems. When combined with minimal or no support after startup, the blueprint is for failure.

Mr. Speaker, I am aware of instances where early into the fiscal year, small business owners, or those wanting to start a small business, are informed by our government representatives that there is no financial support available. They are informed that all current funds for the year have been allocated and there will be no funds available until next year. They are being told to come back in March and make application for assistance then and hopefully there will be financial assistance available to them. In a small community where the government is the only game in town, this becomes very discouraging.

Mr. Speaker, this government encourages and works hard to assist big business. Therefore, it must have the same attitude towards small business by encouraging, and not discouraging, development of our small business sector. Mr. Speaker, since the economic development agreement between Canada and the Northwest Territories expired in 1996, program dollars...

Mr. McLeod, your time for your Member's statement has expired.

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

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his Member's statement. Are there any nays? There being no nays, Mr. McLeod, you may conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since the economic development agreement between Canada and the Northwest Territories expired in 1996, program dollars for economic development of small projects have been considerably reduced. The reduction in funding severely restricts small business initiatives and start-ups.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Small Business Week, I urge this government to reflect and consider the important contribution made to our economy by small businesses throughout the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, recognition, although important, is not sufficient to address the problems faced by small business. We must be committed to actively pursue with Canada financial support needed to promote and assist small businesses in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to talk about a highway toll, but it is a different one than we have been talking about in the past few days. I want to talk about the toll taken on our society because of drinking and driving and the deaths and injuries that we sustain.

October 16th was National Students Against Impaired Driving Day, Mr. Speaker, and you and our colleagues will recall the very visible and very sobering example of what can happen as a result of getting behind the wheel when we are drinking when the students who are active here in Yellowknife parked a wrecked car out in front of the Legislative Assembly for a few days.

Last year, the NWT sustained four motor vehicle deaths, Mr. Speaker, all of them alcohol related. There were 18 other accidental deaths in the NWT and eight of those were alcohol related.

In 1996, the national initiative was undertaken, the National Strategy to Reduce Impaired Driving. In that were a lot of tougher standards to help jurisdictions deal with this terrible problem, but we have not yet acted on this in the NWT. Organizations such as Mothers Against Drinking and Driving and students have organized and worked hard to do their part. We have seen evidence of that here in the NWT in dry grad celebrations, the CYAID national conference here in Yellowknife. As well, chapters of SADD are set up in Fort Simpson, Fort Smith, Norman Wells, Yellowknife and other schools. The young people are doing their part and we in this Legislature have to look at where we can do our part.

Last year, the MADD organization, Mothers Against Drinking and Driving, gave our jurisdiction a failing grade. This year, they upgraded it to promising because there were promises that we have some tough new laws coming in. Students want to see tougher blood alcohol limits, Mr. Speaker. They want to see zero tolerance for drinking drivers under the age of 19. They know they are making a difference. They are appealing to the legislators and the government to do our part.

They need the endorsement and the support to help continue their work. This government has a pretty good record so far of helping, but we need to do more. I will be asking the Minister more questions later on today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. 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 today to give my sincere thanks and to recognize the generous spirit of Yellowknifers, whether they be residents, small businesses or large corporations, in the way they volunteer, participate and sponsor numerous fundraising events.

This spirit is demonstrated all year round, Mr. Speaker, but it might be fair to say that things really start with a big bang in the fall. This year is no exception. In the month of September, there were major fundraising events almost every weekend. It started with the Terry Fox Run, which was held on September 16th under a clear blue sky and warm temperature, which helped bring to life our heavy hearts following the September 11th tragedy. The run raised over $30,000.

On the same weekend, the community came out in full force again to raise $40,000 for the firefighters lost in New York. This was followed by the 8th Annual Aids Walk the following weekend and the CIBC Run for the Cure for breast cancer the weekend after that. The latest figure from this event was $140,000.

That is not all, Mr. Speaker. The very following weekend, on October 16th, the community came out again for the Stanton Hospital Multicultural Dinner and Silent Auction, where the organizers surpassed their goal of $10,000 that they had set for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, so many individuals are involved and the names of those people cannot be mentioned here. I feel very bad about that. May I just close by saying my sincere thanks to everyone who participates in these events in any capacity. I know that we Yellowknifers are truly generous people and I am proud to be one of them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with pleasure I rise today to acknowledge a constituent of Yellowknife South who has impressed me with her desire to help less fortunate people in our world. Her name is Bridget Dunne and she is a second-year student taking environmental science at the University of Guelph, Mr. Speaker.

Recently, she was accepted as a volunteer in an organization called Youth Challenge International and she applied to do volunteer work in a remote region of South America called Guyana. She will be going to Guyana in June of next year.

Mr. Speaker, she is one of 30 youth selected from a large number of applicants by Youth Challenge International to represent Canada. She will be joining other youth from Australia, Costa Rica and Guyana. They will all be working on community-based projects for a ten-week period. These projects are varied and can include work related to the construction of schools and health posts, developing efficient water supplies, working with local people to preserve and reclaim rainforests, uniting indigenous youth in workshops from various villages and also delivering local workshops on health issues, such as HIV and AIDS prevention and providing support for positions in hospitals.

Mr. Speaker, upon completion of her work with Youth Challenge International, she will return for yet another challenge, to put her experiences into positive actions to enhance her community. So on behalf of my constituency and this Legislature, I wish to congratulate Bridget Dunne on being selected to represent Canada on this unique opportunity and more importantly, to wish her well in her work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

At this point, I would like take the opportunity to recognize a former elected Member to the Legislative Assembly, 1991 to 1993, Mr. Bernhardt representing the Kitikmeot. 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 five members representing the air cadets here today. Mrs. Jane Leblanc, who is the director of corporate affairs and chairperson of the 60th anniversary celebrations north of 60. With her are Captain Sharon Low and Corporal Paul McKee, who are both from the cadet unit of Canadian Forces Northern Area, and two flight cadets, flight sergeant Fred Sage and LAC Carolyn Crouch.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, you stole most of my thunder. I was also going to recognize Mr. Bernhardt in the gallery. We went to school together back in the 60's and he has been a friend for a very long time.

-- Applause

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I have the privilege of recognizing Mr. John Dickson, who is enrolled in the Community Development Certificate Program at Aurora College. Welcome, John.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Lucille Harrington from Hay River. She is a student at Aurora College Community Development Certificate Program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, (Translation not available). Literally, above me today sits my younger brother, Tony Grandjambe, from Norman Wells Municipal and Community Affairs. Mahsi.

-- Applause

Mahsi, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Mr. Speaker, a number of Members have had the pleasure of speaking in the last few days with the Community Development Certificate Program and I would like recognize one of the students, Joanne Erasmus of Yellowknife. Thank you.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to introduce and welcome to this gallery my constituency assistant, Ms. Sheila Nasogaluak, as well as Ms. Debra Campbell, the instructor and coordinator of the Community Development Certificate Program for Aurora College. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of recognizing three members from my riding of Nunakput; Robert Kuptana, who is attending the Community Development Certification Program at Aurora College here, from Holman; Karen Voudrach from Tuktoyaktuk; and my daughter, Shannon, from Tuktoyaktuk. Thank you.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me a great honour to have a chance to recognize a member from Fort McPherson who is also taking the community development program. I would like at this time to thank Mr. Andre, who is from Fort McPherson, who has put a lot of work, effort and time and long days working on the Beaufort-Delta Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle. He is here with us today, so James, I would like to personally thank you and welcome to the House.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone who is here to observe your Legislative Assembly on this fine day. Thank you for coming. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pick up on a line of questioning raised by Steve Nitah yesterday regarding some of the agreements with the aboriginal governments. Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho First Nations, along with Canada and this government, signed an agreement, the Deh Cho First Nations Interim Measures Agreement, recently and I would like to ask the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development if that agreement is currently formally in place today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, that agreement is clearly in place. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Mr. Speaker, it is not clear to me which department is responsible for implementing this agreement, so I would like to ask the Minister if he could confirm to me that Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is the lead department regarding this agreement.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Interim Measures Agreement is a very broad document. The GNWT is responsible for honouring, respecting and implementing the various sections of it, so some sections of it do fit within the mandate of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and those would be areas where we would take responsibility. With regard to forestry, for example, that is clearly an RWED responsibility and it is RWED's role to ensure that is honoured. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister for that response. I would like to further question as to what type of resources are provided to the communities to deal with applications that are processed, as communities are required to provide a formal response and go through the consultation process. I would like to know what resources, what staff are available to them? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if there is, for example, a timber-cutting application received by RWED, then RWED has to notify the communities that are impacted that the application is there and to request whether or not they support it. We do not provide any set amount of dollars or any particular staff to assist the communities, but certainly we are there and we are available if they have any questions regarding any application. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am glad to hear that the Minister and this government has worked out a process as to consultation and the involvement of the communities regarding the application process.

I would like to ask the Minister if he could assure me and the people of the Deh Cho that no applications will be processed without the consent of the Deh Cho First Nations and the affected Deh Cho communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just for clarification, it is not really RWED that has set out the process for dealing with the Interim Measures Agreement. It is the Deh Cho people themselves. The process is laid out in the Interim Measures Agreement and in fact, in section 50 of that agreement, there is a provision that no forest management authorizations will be issued in the Deh Cho Territory without the support of the affected Deh Cho Nations. It goes on to say, however, that section 51 allows for certain exceptions.

We follow that very carefully and certainly honour that agreement. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on my Member's statement regarding hydro in the South Slave. I would like to ask Minister Handley about the possibility of pulling together a meeting of the stakeholders, the aboriginal governments, the community leaders in the South Slave to update them on what is happening with the Taltson project and to see what steps have to be taken, the issues of support from the aboriginal governments, compensation and those kinds of things. Could the Minister indicate whether that would be a possibility? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, certainly I would make myself available to meet with any of the affected parties or any of the stakeholders regarding the hydro potential on the Taltson River. There are a number of stakeholders who have certain rights in the area. I would meet with them collectively or separately, as they wish. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the response from the Minister, but I think it is important for the Minister to recognize that the government is initiating this process and it is important for the government to be seen to be trying to coordinate and bring the players together. We could invite him to the region, but I think it is important for the government, with all the resources and work that they have done, to coordinate the meetings so that in fact their agenda can be advanced, working with the people of the South Slave. Would the Minister consider using that approach? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, certainly we would be willing to coordinate the meeting, to set it up, to have it in whichever community they want to have it in, assist the people to attend the meeting. We would do that, but I want to be clear that in doing that we are not trying to sell a particular proposal to them. We are making them aware of what the potential is and they have to make their own decision to the extent that they want to take advantage of this opportunity. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Could the Minister indicate what would be the most appropriate mechanism or process to advance this particular initiative? Would it be best if I wrote to him directly again to outline the request and to work directly with him or are there other officials who would be best consulted? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It could be a letter directly to me or to the secretary to the Financial Management Board, Lew Voytilla, who takes a lead on this initiative for me. I also take the Member's questions as an expression of interest in it and I have noted that. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Final supplementary, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would also ask the Minister if he could speak briefly to the issue of Alberta's apparent renewed interest in the work that was done 50 years ago or so, and $30 million was spent looking at the feasibility of a dam across the Slave River and whether his department is aware of that. What steps are they taking to ensure they are fully involved in any kind of process that may result from Alberta's interest? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too have heard that Alberta is reconsidering a hydro dam on the Slave River on the Alberta side. That does create tremendous concern for me and my other portfolios, RWED being responsible for the environment. I think it can have huge impacts, not only on the Slave River but also the whole watershed, including the Mackenzie River.

We are in the process of gathering information. I do not believe that Alberta has filed an application yet for building that dam. I think if we are going to be impacted by hydro projects that, as much as possible, we want to be in control of which projects are happening where and what the impacts will be. Any additional project on the Slave or Peace River system is certainly of great concern to us. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Handley. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I alluded to earlier, our volunteer firefighters throughout the Northwest Territories go above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis. They give selflessly of themselves with no regard to their personal safety. Would the Minister responsible for MACA please advise this House as to what forms of recognition the territorial government currently bestows on our volunteer firefighters? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am pleased to advise the Member that the individual fire departments are eligible to be recognized for their service throughout the Northwest Territories through the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. That is one of several possible awards that they can receive in the Northwest Territories at this point. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for all of my colleagues in sincerely thanking our volunteer firefighters for the sacrifices they make so that we may be safe. I also believe that we as legislators should reward our volunteer firefighters with tangible forms of recognition.

Would the Minister please advise this House if he would be willing to institute a recognition program for volunteer firefighters whereby they would receive a medal for every increment of dedicated service they complete? For example, a five-year medal, ten-year medal, et cetera. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, as occurs in other jurisdictions across the country, I am pleased to say that we will support our own Northwest Territories firefighter organizations so that they do receive some recognition. I am sure we will be able to work that out with the fellow Members here who have an active interest in volunteers in their community. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when I was reviewing the issue of volunteer firefighters and what we as a government could do to recognize our firefighters, I found that our volunteer firefighters receive a very small stipend from municipalities for the fire and ambulance calls they attend.

The federal government currently gives our volunteer firefighters a tax-free yearly allowance of $1,000. Would the Minister agree to work with the esteemed Minister of Finance to have the territorial government match the federal tax-free allowance for volunteer firefighters? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, that issue was raised previously and I am prepared to discuss this further and in more detail with the Minister of Finance to see if we can come to some formal conclusion on the matter. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Final supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Mr. Speaker, I am very encouraged by the Minister's remarks. Given the nature of the dangerous work these firefighters perform and the somewhat transient nature of our population, I believe that anything our government can do to encourage men and women to join our fire departments and to remain in their service would go a long way to retain firefighters.

Would the Minister also indicate whether he would be willing to institute separate and distinguished licence plates for our firefighters, as is done in other jurisdictions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, in the context of volunteerism, I feel that it is incumbent upon myself to lead in that direction so that they get further recognition than just the appreciation. I am prepared to consider that. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, just to advise the Member, very clearly and succinctly, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is a funding agency. We then hand over the work to another department to do the design. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I find this question difficult to answer. I am not prepared to comment on the actual question itself.