Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on June 12, 2001, the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake asked whether the creation of new positions planned for or currently working in the Intergovernmental Forum Secretariat in relation to the regional reorganization initiative have been approved through the budgeting process.

Mr. Speaker, there have been no new positions created to coordinate the regional reorganization initiative. The Intergovernmental Forum Secretariat was created at the beginning of the 14th Legislative Assembly to coordinate this government's participation in the Intergovernmental Forum process and to assist in building stronger intergovernmental relationships with emerging aboriginal governments. At its inception, the secretariat consisted of three positions; a special advisor to Cabinet, a policy advisor and an administrative support position.

With regard to the regional reorganization initiative, the director of regional relations was tasked with coordinating this initiative at the beginning of the 14th Legislative Assembly. This position was also established at the beginning of the 14th Assembly to coordinate other regional initiatives, such as our work in support of the Beaufort Delta Political Accord. In order to provide the appropriate level of direction and support for this important initiative, the position now reports to and receives administrative support from the Intergovernmental Forum Secretariat.

Mr. Speaker, in summary, all four of these positions were created through the 2000-2001 budget process. Furthermore, no new positions have been created within the Intergovernmental Forum Secretariat, nor are any planned at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.