Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, from the latest update I have received from the representative of the Stanton Regional Board and also the administration of Stanton, the intention is to reopen the surgical ward. They anticipate this to be able to happen in September. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this proposal to close the ward was the result of a deficit. Could the Minister advise the House, what is the latest status on the deficit recovery plan for Stanton Hospital?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, some aspects of the deficit recovery plan proposed by Stanton have been approved. Some are in the process of being implemented. Some of the issues around forced growth items have been agreed to with the department, and additional funding provided on those items. There are figures that are included in the supplementary appropriation before the House with respect to forced growth. The work of the deficit recovery plan is ongoing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since the Minister has obviously been involved in deciding whether or not certain aspects of the deficit recovery plan may proceed, can she inform the House which aspects specifically have now been approved for the board to implement?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Stanton inpatient surgical ward amalgamation is something that was withdrawn by Stanton as an initiative. There were other various aspects of the deficit recovery plan. One that was approved in March was the privatization of the laundry and housekeeping services within the hospital.

As for the detail of some of the other components, which is a fairly lengthy list of probably eight or ten items, I would have to provide that to the Member in writing. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Minister. Final supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, could the Minister advise the House as to what sort of process was followed to determine whether or not either she as the Minister or the department would approve the privatization of laundry and housekeeping?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the initiatives that were proposed were put forward by the senior staff of the Stanton Hospital to senior staff within my department. At that time, evaluation and consideration was given to how these items might affect the service levels which are provided at the facility. Upon the outcome of those discussions and negotiations, I was then advised of the two that I referred to being approved and signed off the approval on those as per the recommendation and advice I was provided with. Thank you.

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

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation. One of my colleagues, in a statement earlier today, referenced the housing situation in the Northwest Territories. I would like to specifically address the situation for seniors. They are the fastest growing part of our population. Many more seniors are deciding to stay in the North.

Would the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation advise what initiatives he is looking at to bring forward to address seniors housing in Yellowknife? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My shut-out has been broken. Nonetheless, Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation will be calling for a request for proposals for 44 units. We are looking at developing eight barrier-free units that will be used for disabled and also for seniors who want to maintain their independent housing lifestyle.

As well, Mr. Speaker, in the year 2003-2004, we will have made a contribution of $1 million towards the seniors in the city of Yellowknife where they can help develop for their housing needs. Thank you.

-- Applause

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All of those are very good news. I would like to explore a little bit more the aspect of seniors. Of the 44 units and the eight barrier-free, would any of those then be dedicated specifically to the needs of seniors? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we are looking at and considering allocating a number of those units to seniors who want to use those units for their own lifestyle. Thank you.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the news of the $1 million going in the fiscal year 2003-2004, this is capital funding and it is welcome. One million dollars will go so far. I would like to ask what other partners or mechanisms could be brought in to further enhance this initiative? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.