Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week the first Northwest Territories Chapter of the United Way was launched in Yellowknife. I am pleased to announce today that the Government of the Northwest Territories has agreed to allow employees to donate to the United Way through payroll deductions.

Mr. Speaker, the United Way plays a very important role in fundraising efforts on behalf of charitable organizations. The local chapter is committed to building a strong and healthy community by responding to health and social service issues in our communities. Individuals can also choose to direct their gift to any registered charity in Canada or any of the 90 plus charities registered in the Northwest Territories. These are listed on the Yellowknife United Way Chapter's website at www.yellowknife.unitedway.ca.

Mr. Speaker, the United Way is a widely known and respected institution in Canada which has established a presence in the Northwest Territories and are in the midst of the inaugural campaign. I understand that along with the GNWT, the City of Yellowknife and the federal government also offer this voluntary payroll deduction service to their employees and that the Union of Northern Workers and the Northwest Territories Federation of Labour have given support to this campaign.

It is expected that the first United Way payroll deductions from participating employees will likely begin in January 2003. Employees from across the Territories will be able to access this service and will be able to indicate which registered charity they wish to contribute to.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the GNWT is able to play a part in assisting the United Way efforts to raise donations. I believe this will greatly benefit charitable organizations across the Northwest Territories who continue to work hard for many good causes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause