Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what we would like to see in the major changes to BIP is clarification of definitions applying to BIP. We would like to also have a clear definition of what a BIP business is really, and strengthen the administration procedures. There is also a formal complaint mechanism that we would like to see put in place, as well as the new threshold for the application of BIP adjustments. These five very substantial areas of change to BIP are not easy. You are not going to have everybody thinking that this is the greatest thing. There are people currently here that do not think we should apply BIP at all. Some do not want to make any changes, and if we are trying to make changes and trying to be open, we get criticized for it. We are going to try to move ahead with this. That is the intention of myself, as well as the department, to see if we could try to get everybody satisfied or as close to it as possible to see if we can make the changes that will make this BIP policy work a lot better. Thank you.

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

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am open to all the suggestions and concerns that are raised here in the House. I think this is part of the process in trying to change BIP. If there is one strand of an idea that perhaps my administration in RWED have taken and run with, I will certainly look at it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. The time for question period has ended. Item 7, written questions. Item 8, returns to written questions. Mr. Clerk.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question asked by Mr. Charles Dent on June 14, 2002, regarding the application of the Business Incentive Policy to tendered contracts.

In fiscal year 2001-2002, Public Works and Services awarded five contracts on the basis of the Business Incentive Policy. At the appropriate time, I will table information about these contracts and the percentage of the premium paid as compared to the lowest tender.

We do not have the results of contracts for other departments.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I have a provisional Return to Written Question asked by Mr. Nitah on June 18, 2002, regarding the initialling of the final Dogrib Agreement.

The Return to Written Question 4-14(5) is not ready today due to some minor formatting problems. The return will be ready on October 17, 2002. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question asked by Ms. Lee on June 18, 2002, regarding financial assistance for students with disabilities.

In order to be eligible for financial support from the NWT, students must be attending approved, post-secondary programs leading to a licence, certificate, diploma, undergraduate, masters or doctoral degree.

The SFA Program offers the NWT Study Grant to students with permanent disabilities. This grant provides assistance of up to $8,000 per academic year to eligible students taking full-time post-secondary, and up to $1,000 per course for students taking part-time post-secondary programs. The expenses must be directly related to the student's program of study or course; for example, a specialized computer screen or a tutor to take notes. Students who are not eligible to apply for the NWT Study Grant can apply to the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities under the NWT Literacy Program funding provided by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Aboriginal students may also be eligible for disability assistance through their band. As each student's needs and eligibility are unique, detailed assistance information differs from student to student.

Governments across Canada follow a stringent designation process to determine the institutions and programs eligible under their government financial assistance program. To determine post-secondary institution and program eligibility, SFA refers to other Canadian government lists of approved and designated post-secondary institutions. When required, SFA will also research specific program eligibility through the institution's web site, government financial aid offices or school calendars.

ECE is currently in the process of researching and developing private institution policies for institutions within the NWT. However, the SFA Program will continue to rely on the expertise of other governments across Canada when approving students who wish to attend institutions outside of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question asked by Mr. Braden on June 19, 2002, regarding income support payments.

I have asked departmental officials to undertake an inter-jurisdictional review and report back through the Standing Committee on Social Programs. However, please be advised that day care costs are allowable expenses under the NWT income Assistance Program.

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question asked by Ms. Lee on June 19, 2002, regarding Stanton Hospital's deficit position.

The temporary closure of the Intensive Care Unit, the summer closure of the Surgical Inpatient Unit, and the current waiting lists for physiotherapy and mammography services are not related to Stanton Hospital's $700,000 accumulated deficit and/or $500,000 2001-2002 operating surplus. The following provides background information related to the above noted closure and waiting lists.

Over the past several months, Stanton has closed the surgical unit during the summer months. This closure relates to reductions in operating room loads and elective surgical procedures as residents may be on vacation or do not want surgery during the summer months. Physician surgeon and nursing complements are also affected by summer vacations.

The ICU has been closed since June due to a shortage of critical care nurses. This is unrelated to the financial situation of the hospital. ICU services are continuing to be provided on an as-needed basis through a contractual agreement with the Capital Health Authority. An earlier plan to re-open the unit in November was put on hold until sufficient nurses can be hired. Intensive recruitment efforts for ICU experienced nurses are underway and four job offers have already been made. A date to re-open the unit will be made when adequate staffing levels are in place.

The physiotherapy unit has been consistently short-staffed since 1999. There are continued efforts to fill vacant physiotherapist positions. The waiting list for services also varies over the course of a year. However, a priority listing has been established for WCB clients and emergency cases.

Mammography services were also affected by staff shortages. Access to services has now returned to normal and the waiting list will be addressed over the next few months.

The deficit accumulated over the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 fiscal years. It was directly related to increases in staff recruitment and retention, security and Emergency Room physician services costs.

The 2001-2002 surplus was directly related to a combination of an increase in revenues and unexpended salary funds associated with staff physician vacancies. Increased revenues were associated with medical travel and pharmacy expense recoveries and increased inpatient and outpatient revenues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Any further returns to written questions? Item 9, replies to the Opening Address. Item 10, petitions. Item 11, reports of standing and special committees. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have Bill 21 ordered into committee of the whole for today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You have consent. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to waive Rule 93(4) and have Bill 15 ordered into committee of the whole for today. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You have consent. Item 12, reports of committees on the review of bills. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.