Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there needs to be more ownership at the community level for health and social programs, not less. That is my concern with the recently released Cuff report. What the Cuff report is suggesting is a big step backwards to recentralization of health and social services and programs.

Following the Social Agenda Conference in Hay River -- which stressed communities taking ownership over their social programs and other areas, such as housing -- the Cuff report is saying just the opposite. It flies in the face of what the grassroots people were asking for at the Social Agenda Conference, Mr. Speaker.

While the Social Agenda Conference was a good idea, the timing was bad, Mr. Speaker. It was held just prior to the release of the Cuff report and so conference observers were not acknowledged in the Cuff report. Also, delegates did not have an opportunity to discuss the report.

There should have been significant time for the public to review the report prior to the Social Agenda Conference, or even today. Thirty-three days is not enough, Mr. Speaker. The idea of a community programs and services board is an option that should be considered. It could incorporate not only health and social services programs but justice, housing and other areas, giving it the economy of scale.

The problem with the Cuff report is it recommends recentralization of services provided by health boards and this does not really address the problem. It only transposes it to another bureaucracy. Will the Minister of Health and Social Services follow the Cuff report recommendations or will she listen to the people of the Northwest Territories who want more control over services and programs at the community level?

Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to the House we not develop capacity by taking responsibilities away from them. In fact, Mr. Speaker, what the Cuff report is suggesting is getting more dependant on this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause