Thank you. Please be seated. Good morning. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, International Women's Day is a time when countries around the world, as well as the United Nations, celebrate the successes that women are making to improve the quality of life for all. It is a special time when we in the Northwest Territories look around and see who is making a difference in the lives of our families and in our communities. I want to say thank you and pay tribute to all the women of the Northwest Territories on this special day.

Later today we will be recognizing the recipients of the Wise Women Awards and give them special thanks for their leadership and the personal contributions they have made to better their communities. It is often said that women are the backbone of our communities. It is also because of women in our communities and their advocacy that we continue to see improvements in services for day care, social income support, family law and adoption, education, justice and many other programs.

We also know that there is still much to be done. The Social Agenda Working Group is an important initiative in this regard. There are a number of strong knowledgeable women and men from our communities working together to develop a framework on social issues and to help guide the decision-makers at all levels in making the North a better place in which to live and work.

This government has appointed Ministers responsible for Seniors, Youth, Disabilities, Homelessness and Family Violence. In many cases it is women and their organizations who have challenged our government to commit to working together to better understand and serve the people who have not been heard. Northern women continue to participate in the hundreds of boards and agencies across the Northwest Territories, wisely advising all of us to listen and to do what is right for the people of the...

Excuse me, may I interrupt, Mr. Premier. The statement you are making is not the one that was filed with the Speaker, Mr. Premier.

This is what I have.

Mr. Premier, the Rules of the House are clear that a Minister's statement must be filed with the Speaker prior

to, or you can make an emergency statement only. Mr. Premier, do you have your prepared filed statement?

Mr. Speaker, today nations around the world are celebrating International Women's Day. It is a day when women and men everywhere rise above their national, ethnic, cultural, economic and political boundaries to celebrate the achievements women have made in improving the quality of life for all.

As we reflect on women's participation at the community level and the work they have done to address social, economic and political issues, it is only fitting, Mr. Speaker, that the theme for this year's International Women's Day is "Working in Solidarity: Women, Human Rights and Peace." This theme recognizes the influence and the crucial role women play in seeking social justice on the local, national and international scenes.

Forgive me, cameraman.

-- Laughter

Mr. Speaker, northern women have long been the voice for social justice and for peace in our homes and communities. The discussions we have had in this House on family law, human rights, housing and income support are a culmination of what women in the communities have brought to us as legislators. Mr. Speaker, women have come forward in solidarity, carrying the voices of all peoples who have fought so long and hard for these basic human rights.

Mr. Speaker, this is the 10th anniversary of the Status of Women Council's Wise Women Awards. These awards are in recognition of the dedication and service women have given to the communities in which they live. Of the 35 nominations, Mr. Speaker, five women have been selected by members of the Status of Women Council.

It is my privilege to announce to you today the names of this year's Wise Women: Elizabeth Greenland of Inuvik; Terry Villeneuve of Fort Simpson; Suzette Montreuil of Yellowknife; Laura Tobac of Fort Good Hope and Jane Dragon of Fort Smith.

-- Applause

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, there will be a celebration luncheon today in the Great Hall in recognition of International Women's Day and to honour today's recipients of the Wise Women Awards. I welcome all Members to attend this important event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Premier. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Mr. Antoine. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is probably one of the most difficult Member's statements I have ever had to make, and I have had to make a few tough ones during my six years in this Legislature.

Mr. Speaker, issues have come to light in the media, and will further come to light later as we consider the upcoming supplementary appropriation, which will detail the actions on the part of our Premier which will demonstrate, in my opinion, that he lacks sound judgment.

Mr. Speaker, in the fallout after the Special Committee on Conflict Process, I was faced with a moral conflict between personal loyalty to someone I cared about and public accountability for upholding a high standard of integrity as elected officials. Not certain of my motives in the confusion and wake of a very stressful time, I chose personal loyalty.

In the weeks and months subsequent to that I have had the opportunity to reassess my decision many times and still was able to rationalize my choice to support the Premier on the grounds that we needed to move forward, be positive, understanding that we are all human and sometimes we do things that show poor judgment.

Numerous times I have requested of the Premier an opportunity to sit down and fully discuss the details of what transpired around the circumstances that gave rise to the inquiry by the special committee. In a way, I guess, I hoped he had not been previously aware of them and maybe had been the victim of being kept in the dark, but he has never wanted to know.

I wanted to apologize to the people of the Northwest Territories and my colleagues in this House, as a person who puts so much on the line to stand up for transparent and accountable government in the 13th Assembly, for allowing my personal loyalty and affection to so cloud my judgment that I would want to ignore the facts of actions that were taken, which go to the very heart of the integrity of this government.

As long as those things stay hidden and unaccounted for, nothing can really be right. After receiving a vote of confidence in this House to continue on as Premier, Mr. Kakfwi has unfortunately continued to display an attitude of arrogance and disregard for the position of authority that he holds.

In light of what transpired prior to that confidence vote and what has transpired since, I feel it is incumbent on me today to stand up in this House and say that regardless of how these issues are disposed of by other Members of this House, personally I have no confidence in Stephen Kakfwi as the Premier of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Wise Women Awards, which we will celebrate later today in the Great Hall. One of the recipients of the award is Ms. Suzette Montreuil of Yellowknife. Recently, I had an opportunity to provide my opinion on the work and the contribution that Ms. Montreuil made to our city and the Territories.

In honour of all men and women in the Territories who work on behalf of women's issues, I would like to just share with the House what I said about what Ms. Montreuil has done to improve the lives of women in our community.

Ms. Montreuil has made enormous contributions to our community in various capacities. In the process, she has improved the lives of many, especially women in our community and throughout the North. She is well known for her involvement for providing constructive critique of social and economic policies. She has assisted in numerous loving efforts for social agencies, labour organizations and environmental groups and has participated in an extensive review of the GNWT's budget process.

She is a woman of many talents. Whether she is performing a song, reading a poem or making presentations to various levels of governments for policy changes, her conviction and clarity in thinking comes through and forces the audience to take notice of her argument and her cause.

Her powerful presentations based on strong analytical skills forces decision makers and the general public to rethink the way things are done and where the priorities are being placed on various issues such as poverty, family violence, income tax system, day care and independent schools for the Francophone.

I have also seen this in her work on behalf of the front-line health care providers and on behalf of the labour movement in the North, where she consistently displays the same strength and impact on public policy.

Having observed her work and read her writings, I believe she is one of the strongest minds and clearest thinkers in the North today. While this may appear to be an intangible work, I believe strongly that Ms. Montreuil's contribution to our northern society is invaluable and highly important in creating a society that is more broad minded and just.

I have no doubt that through her work over the many years she has improved the lives of all women as well as men. I would like to recognize her and all other women who do the same. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of a very important week, International Women's Week, which is being celebrated throughout the world this week and in particular, International Women's Day being held today, March 8th.

The theme for this year's International Women's Day is "Working in Solidarity: Women, Human Rights and Peace." Mr. Speaker, this theme captures and serves to recognize the crucial role that women play in seeking social justice on the local, regional, national and international stages.

It also reinforces, Mr. Speaker, the critical need for all of us to work further to address the abuse of human rights, which was brought more sharply into focus in the wake of the September 11th tragedy when we were all faced with the atrocities faced by Afghan women.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that we as a society have come a long way in recognizing and placing value on the rights of women but there is more work to be done. Equal rights for women, Mr. Speaker, are essential to advancing the progress on human rights and democratic development. We must strive to advance gender equality.

Mr. Speaker, I give tremendous credit to the people, both women and men, who are working on the front lines in dealing with the aftermath of abuse against women, many times under very trying circumstances.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight some activities that the Family Support Centre in Hay River is planning for the celebration of International Women's Day today. The Family Support Centre, Mr. Speaker, is hosting a celebration of women this evening. This will encompass music, singing, ethnic and cultural dance, drumming, poetry and, of course, socializing.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the Family Support Centre and the Status of Women's Council of the Northwest Territories, not only for the work they have done in preparing this celebration for International Women's Week but for their tireless work throughout the year in promoting the cause of women. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a friend. His name is Herbert Lafferty. He is about my age. He is going to school in Ottawa with his wife and his children. I have known Herbert for almost 40 years. I came to know him when we both arrived in Fort Smith back in the very early 60s to go to school. We stayed at Grandin College.

Over the years we have stayed in touch. Some of his family continues to live in Fort Smith. Herbert chose to further his education. He worked across the North. He has great skill as a musician and is well known in musical circles.

Today, I just wanted to state that fact, because about a week ago, he passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly. I just thought it would be appropriate for the first time in six years to pay tribute to Herbert. His brother Mel is here in the gallery. He was my friend. He was a friend of many. He went to school with some of us. I wanted to offer my condolences to the family as well. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Indeed, condolences. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while we go about our business here in the Legislature as Members, it is important to recognize that life goes on for everyone else in the communities. This week, there has been a meeting of elders in my constituency of Tulita. They sent me a personal invitation to attend. The messages have been that they very much wanted to see me personally at the gathering.

I have looked at every which way to be there, but because of ongoing internal turmoil and issues here amongst Members with myself, and those things that we think are priorities, it has not been possible to accept the invitation. It has not been possible to attend this gathering.

I have sent a message to them this morning that will be read to them. As the Sahtu MLA, I have sent a message to them that the values they hold are strong, and the wisdom they have to enjoy and cherish those things the Creator has provided for us are those things that will give us, those who follow them, the strength to meet the challenges of the future. Their prayers, wise words and kind actions are our teachers. We must not forget them as we walk our path together. We should remember to work hard to keep our land, our language and our lives strong.

I hope they have a wonderful celebration as they honour the elders in Tulita today. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to comment on International Women's Day. Mr. Speaker, we have some pretty prominent women out there, people such as Ethel Blondin-Andrew and Nellie Cournoyea, who is recognized as one of the top 50 prominent people in Canada. In our communities, we have mayors such as Evelyn Storr of Aklavik and Ethel Blake of Fort McPherson. People within our band councils, our sub-chiefs, such as Hazel Nerysoo, and the many councillors and members of our communities who serve within our public service, especially in the public service in this government. Individuals such as Pauline Gordon of Aklavik, who is an assistant deputy minister. Hopefully she will be reinstated sooner rather than later.

Mr. Speaker, there are many, many women within our public service who work to make the lives better for us in the Northwest Territories. They provide programs and services on behalf of this government. Again, Mr. Speaker, we have to do more to ensure that women in government reflect the women in our society.

Mr. Speaker, our children are an important part of who we are, but it is our mothers, our sisters who make lives better for all people in the North. I think we have to give a big thank you to the many women who stay home, raise their families, raise their children and make lives better for their children, their family and our communities.

Mr. Speaker, many times we forget about those people who continue to make our communities a better place to live; our mothers, our sisters and our daughters. Mr. Speaker, I think we have to look at where we have gone with women in our society and we still have a long way to go.

The world is a better place because of the actions that we see and the prominence of women in our society. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, once again I want to state that as part of Towards a Better Tomorrow, we stated that we were aiming for housing that was adequate, affordable and suitable, elders who were well supported by their community and able to live independently.

Once again, I want to repeat that the public housing and income support harmonization initiative does not support either of these stated goals by this government. Many of my colleagues and I have already pointed out that this initiative was poorly planned and communicated to most of our residents, especially to those in public housing.

What I find most distressing about this program is that it fails to address the true issue facing those in public housing in these communities. Those critical issues are of the unsuitability and inadequacy of their homes.

Mr. Speaker, in the year 2000, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation conducted a housing needs survey. In that survey, the larger communities of Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik and Fort Smith identified affordability as a major housing issue. However, the other communities, the other 29 communities of the Northwest Territories, only two percent in public housing identified affordability as a problem for them.

The government has gone through great trouble to show that the majority of the rents will be decreasing as a result of the harmonization package. However, they are still ignoring the fact that 19 percent of the people in public housing have stated that suitability, the number of bedrooms in their homes and how many people squeeze into one room is their biggest concern.

The adequacy of their housing is the most important issue. In two of my ridings, Mr. Speaker, Kakisa and Enterprise, over 40 percent of the homes require major renovations, including plumbing, heating and/or electrical systems. These stats are all from the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation's own housing needs survey.

Mr. Speaker, what is the point of the Housing Corporation going out and asking these questions in a survey if they are not even going to listen to the answers? The communities have answered loud and clear, Mr. Speaker. For those in public housing, affordability is not the issue. Safe and healthy homes for our people is the issue.

Mr. Speaker, given the poor way in which this harmonization program was developed and communicated, and given the fact that it does not begin to touch the more important housing issues, I recommend that this government scrap this initiative...

Mr. McLeod, your time for your Member's statement has ended. Mr. McLeod.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you. The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. You may conclude your statement, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will just repeat the last part of my statement. Mr. Speaker, given the poor way in which this harmonization program was developed and communicated, and given the fact that it does not begin to touch the more important public housing issues in the Northwest Territories, I recommend that this government scrap this initiative and start working on something that will benefit all Northwest Territories citizens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two weeks ago I made a statement in the House regarding the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada and the need for Northerners to get involved, especially in the scheduled hearings in Yellowknife on May 16th. I rise again today to speak on the same issue.

Over the next few months the commission will be hosting public hearings all across Canada, Mr. Speaker, and the purpose of these hearings is to listen to Canadians and to hear what they have to say about the future of our current health care system.

We are fortunate that the commission is coming north on May 16, 2002, and will be hearing from us, the people of the North. I wanted to bring these hearings to the attention of this House and stress to the people of the North how important this is to our health care system. It is indeed a unique opportunity to provide input into what we view should be our future national health system.

Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada announced the release of a consultation workbook. It is designed to give Canadians an opportunity to provide their views on what direction they see the future of health care taking. This workbook is available to every Canadian online, Mr. Speaker, so that we can submit our views to the commission.

The workbook takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and asks for input on four possible scenarios to address health care sustainability. The four scenarios are:

1. more public investment;
2. more co-payments and cost sharing;
3. increased private choice; and
4. reorganized service delivery.

Additional information and reference material is provided, so if you do not have a full understanding of the options, a reference is available. The scenarios also provide potential positive and negative impacts that will have to be considered.

Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my statement today is quite simple. I urge everyone with a vested interest in our health care system to get involved, whether it be through a presentation in May to the commission or by simply logging on to the commission's website and taking the 15 minutes required to give the commission your views. Your input is critical to the shape of our health care system in Canada.

For your interest, Mr. Speaker, the work book can be downloaded at www.healthcarecommission.ca. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recognizing today is International Women's Day, I too would like to add some comment. I would like to reflect on this institution and those of every other elected office in the Northwest Territories and Canada.

Mr. Speaker, considering the significance and importance of women in elected office and in governments, I think it is especially fitting that one of the recipients from Yellowknife, Ms. Suzette Montreuil, was an opponent of mine, and a very formidable and a very worthy opponent, and she is indeed deserving of this recognition.

Having women represented at all levels of governance, I think, Mr. Speaker, is essential to the balance of decision making that we all undertake and the tone and the clarity of the work that we do. I think if we reflect back on our Youth Parliament last month, it seems to me that overwhelmingly, the number of representatives here from among the youth were young women. That gives me great hope that we will be seeing these young people, and others like them who follow their roles and their leadership, taking part in elected governments across the North.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage women to consider, whenever the opportunity comes up, to run for elected office, whether it is at the school board level, municipal level, band council level, the territorial level, even the federal level, to bring that balance up to where it should be.

I guess in that light, Mr. Speaker, I am hoping and wondering if we will ever see the day when International Women's Day will not be needed because we will be able to see that it is a quaint idea, a throw-back to an age when women were not reflected in their rightful place in society, and that they indeed have the representation and the role they should have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I start with my Member's statement, I would like to send greetings back to my wife, who has been a solid supporter behind me and helped me to stand in this place and speak to the many issues I have raised in this House around accountability and what we have done as a government, and how we present ourselves to the public. It is nice to know that I have that support, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, once again I find myself standing in this House and referring to our actions as government and how the people would view us, and how we uphold our commitment to be an honest and transparent government and carry on business that would be seen as being in the best public interest. After all, Mr. Speaker, that is why many of us stood up and took the challenge to run in elections to be representatives for the people in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, once again I find myself raising the issue of accountability as a government. The decisions we make, are they in the best interest of government or of the people, or of ourselves as individuals? Mr. Speaker, at times when we get so busy and we are wrapped up in the work around us and the many documents and papers that come forward to our desks, we sometimes forget why we are sitting here, why we came in and what the purpose was for our wanting to be here.

Mr. Speaker, later today in the House, during committee of the whole, there is an issue that will again be raised about how we as a government take care of the public interest and how we spend government dollars to benefit the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, on the issue of accountability and how we represent the people, I am hoping that this government, the ones we have chosen to lead us as Cabinet Ministers and the Executive Council, will be forthright with the people of the Territories, and will be open and accountable and transparent as to what they have put forward in decisions they have made. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of International Women's Day. Mr. Speaker, this is a day to recognize the accomplishments of women and reflect on the challenges that still lie ahead. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, there are still far too many challenges. Family violence and violence against women are still among the biggest.

Mr. Speaker, in my constituency there is a women's shelter called the Alison McAteer House. In spite of our public pronouncements in support of zero tolerance for violence, shelters like the Alison McAteer House are busier than ever all of the time, year-round. Mr. Speaker, we must do more to stop violence. One of the most important steps we could take in this Legislative Assembly would be to move quickly to enact a family violence protection act. This would act as an important tool to allow women who are victims to stay in their homes in their home communities, where they have better support networks. Mr. Speaker, I hope we can see such a bill introduced in June.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to congratulate the Status of Women Council for the Northwest Territories on their Wise Women Awards Program. It is important to celebrate and recognize those who are leaders in their communities and in the North. I would like to also extend my congratulations to the winners this year, especially Suzette Montreuil, who resides in my constituency. As Ms. Lee and Mr. Braden have already spoken about Ms. Montreuil, I think Members can see that her award is well-deserved. I look forward to attending the awards ceremony in the Great Hall today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today on behalf of my colleague, Floyd Roland, Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, I would like to take this opportunity to honour an individual who was nominated for this year's Wise Women Awards. The criteria for judging the Wise Women Award winners is based on dedication and commitment to the community, benefits they have brought to women and/or to the community as a whole, and the positive role model they present to other women.

This year's winner for the Mackenzie Delta is Mrs. Elizabeth Greenland of Inuvik. Mrs. Greenland has devoted her life to teaching children dance since the early 1970s and at 81 years of age, she is still willing to teach. Elizabeth has also told many stories from the wisdom she has gained from living out on the land and from being a strong member of her church. She tries to keep the Gwich'in language alive by teaching her own children, grandchildren and others as well. She is an amazing woman, amazing mother, community leader and elder.

The award ceremony will take place during the International Women's Day luncheon on March 8th in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Mr. Roland and myself, I would like to ask the Members of this Legislative Assembly to help me congratulate Mrs. Greenland and the other recipients of this prestigious award. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Friday, March 8, 2002, International Women's Day, I want to acknowledge the contribution made by all women around the world to the betterment of ourselves. In particular, I want to congratulate the women who have received the Status of Women Council Wise Women Awards in the past and those who are receiving the awards today.

I want to give a special appreciation to one woman, with whom I entered into a negotiated, sole-sourced contract 36 years, six months, 15 days and about 20 hours ago.

-- Laughter

We have been through a lot of smooth water and a few storms. She can stir one up pretty quick if I get out of line. She is certainly one person who can get my attention very quickly right now if I get out of line. It is very clear to her that I may be Government House Leader, but that does not apply at home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Handley. At the appropriate time, I am sure you will identify that individual to the House. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In this day, it is really a special privilege for me to be able to recognize someone who many, many years ago made a great contribution to this particular institution. It was the Council of the Northwest Territories, as it was known in those days, some 32 years ago. A person who became, and she should be marked down in history for this, the first female elected in our Legislature to the Council of the Northwest Territories, the predecessor of this Legislative Assembly. It was Lena Pederson from Kuglugtuk who represented the Central Arctic. We are very privileged to have her with us today. It is a great day of distinction to have her here.

In those days, Mr. Speaker, the Council of the Northwest Territories was a little different than the makeup today. I believe it was nine Members and Lena was the second Member for the Central Arctic but, as I say, the first female representative ever of the Council of the Northwest Territories.

The history of the Council of the Northwest Territories, you must remember, goes back to the Assembly of the Assiniboines, which is almost older than the Parliament of Canada. It has great history, on our part, to have someone with us today who brings that distinction.

I understand she is getting an award today. I will not say what that award is, and she is aware of that, but Lena, we congratulate you for that. She is with us today with her daughter Nina, who is from Edmonton, as well as Peggy Welch. Please help me congratulate Lena for being with us here today and for the work that she did...

-- Applause

... as the first female representative.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery.

Colleagues, it does give me a great deal of pleasure indeed to recognize a former Member of the Assembly, the 7th Council from the years 1970 to 1975, Ms. Lena Pederson.

-- Applause

As well, colleagues, I take this opportunity to recognize in the gallery the deputy commissioner, Mr. Cal Mains.

-- Applause

Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize some special visitors in the House today. First of all, the board members and the staff of the Status of Women's Council. Vi Beck, Harriet Geddes, Theresa Etchinelle, Jean Ekpakohak, Tessi Gonzales, Lynn Brooks, Barbara Saunders, Theresa Handley and Roslind Minault.

I also want to recognize the recipients of the Wise Women Awards. Elizabeth Greenland of Inuvik, Laura Tobac of Fort Good Hope, Jane Dragon of Fort Smith, Terry Villenueve of Fort Simpson and Suzette Montreuil of Yellowknife.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize these special women who are in the Legislature with us today. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Kakfwi. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Member's statement, I would like to recognize my wife, Theresa. Thank you.

-- Applause

Of whom you spoke so eloquently. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a constituent of mine, Tessi Gonzales, who is in the gallery today and is also with the Status of Women's Council. I would also like to recognize a young lady up in the gallery who is a real workhorse, that is Paula, my assistant from Hay River, who has come over and is a great help to me.

I would also like to take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to recognize two very special grade 8 students from Hay River North who have been pages in the Legislative Assembly here all week. I want to commend them on a very good job and on how well-behaved they have been all week. I would like to recognize Carrie Williams and Kyle Gibb.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great honour this morning to recognize Ms. Elizabeth Greenland, her son William and her daughter Laurie. Welcome to the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to have an opportunity to acknowledge Ms. Greenland. I have a lot of respect for her for what she has done, not only for the Gwich'in culture but for providing and promoting our culture. Also with the dances she has been helping the younger people to learn, dances we have praised for years in the North. Most importantly, being a mother who we all wish for in regard to the many, many children and grandchildren she has raised, as well as being a great-great-grandmother.

I think it is important at this time to thank her for that while I have this opportunity. With that, I would also like to recognize Mr. Lee Selleck. It is nice to see you back in the House, Lee. I hope you can stick around.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize as well Jean Ekpakohak from Holman. Jean is serving her second term as a member of the Status of Women Council.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Steen. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on this day, International Women's Day, and as one of two women Members sitting in this House, I would like to recognize the first woman elected to the Legislature some 30 years ago and the first one to lead, the number I could count is about eight women elected officials who sat around this table, and she was the first. I would like to recognize Lena Pederson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Thirty-two years ago history was made. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Thebacha, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize two people. One is a recipient of one of the Wise Women Awards, Jane Dragon, who also made this fine jacket that I have had the privilege of wearing the last number of years. As well, my friend, Mel Lafferty. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Antoine. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to say welcome to all the people who have come to see their Assembly today. Welcome. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to resume my line of questioning from committee of the whole to the Minister of MACA with respect to the Arctic Winter Games. In the discussion yesterday, he indicated that he has not been doing any promotion of the Arctic Winter Games. However, he is attending the opening of the Games in Iqaluit and also in Nuuk. I would like to ask the Minister if he will be performing any official duties, either himself or the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I understand the question correctly, the Member is asking if I will be taking part in the awards at the Arctic Winter Games. Mr. Speaker, I intend to take part in the awarding of the medals at the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, and I believe Mr. Ootes was planning to take part in the cultural aspect.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is good to hear that the Minister will be doing some promotion, even if it is only awarding medals. However, could he tell us what the cost will be? Yesterday he indicated to us that he would be taking a private jet from Yellowknife to Iqaluit, from Iqaluit to Nuuk and then from Nuuk back to either Inuvik or Yellowknife. I believe the jet will be a Challenger 2. Could he tell me how much it is going to cost for him to fly to give out medals in Nuuk?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I believe the quote we received for that jet, depending on which route it flew, including fuel, was about $34,000. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I did not hear it quite right. I am sure he said $34,000. I believe the jet can accommodate eight passengers. Yesterday I asked the Minister twice if he could tell me who those people would be and he could not tell me as it was not confirmed yet. I am sure he must have a tentative list of people that will be attending. Could he let the House know who will be going?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated yesterday, it was up to the two Ministers, myself and Mr. Ootes, as to who would be accompanying us on this flight. At that time we had not decided who would be taking part on the flight. The situation has not changed as of now, so we still do not know who is going to take part in the flight. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my understanding that both Ministers are planning to take their families and their staff, and there really is no opportunity for anyone else to attend, especially Regular MLAs. Could the Minister confirm whether the Ministers will be taking their families and their staff?

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Steen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that was part of the plan but at this point in time, it has not been confirmed if all the staff or families are going, or even if both Ministers are going. That has not been resolved at this point. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of International Women's Day, I made reference to certain individuals in my statement. I referenced the assistant deputy minister of Education and how, with her 24 years of hard work in the area of education, she has made her way up to the position of assistant deputy minister. However, for some misfortune, she was reprimanded, laid off or suspended. I would like to ask the Minister, when will Ms. Pauline Gordon be reinstated and back at work in her office?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, she was not laid off from the territorial government and the process is underway now. The parties agreed to a process and that is happening yesterday and today. I expect the individual will be back at her position next week. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, could I receive a guarantee on that?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly I do not control the public service process. However, Mr. Speaker, I have been told that everything is on stream, work is proceeding today and yesterday, and that plans are to have the individual back in the department next week. Presumably, I can only go by the fact that this will be proceeded with efficiently and accordingly, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister makes a lot of assurances but he has not clearly stated whether there is a guaranteed date when she will be back at work next week. Is that guaranteed or are we talking about another long-term delay? The original delay was three months. We are going into the fourth month now. How long is this delay?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can only go by what I am told by our public service people, Mr. Speaker. I understand the plan is, if things work out, the individual is to be back in the position next week. There is no reason to think that will not happen. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister made a comment, "if things turn out." What type of things is he talking about that have to turn out, and in whose favour? Is it the favour of the Minister, the department, or the favour of the individual who has been suspended or laid off? Who does it have to favour when trying to get this person back to work, yourself as the Minister or the department?

I will just caution the Member to be careful on the words there. The first part of your question was probably the best part. Mr. Minister, you can choose whatever part you want to answer from that question. Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We do not have the right to politically interfere here, Mr. Speaker, so it has been left with the individual and with the people handling this from the public service side. The senior deputy minister is acting as the liaison on this.

I understand that everything is on stream, Mr. Speaker, to have the individual back in her position, I expect early to mid-next week. That is what I have been told, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question at this time is directed to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. In this House the previous week, the Minister said a decision would be made by Thursday of this week as to what would happen with the harmonization plan. I would like to have the Minister confirm if in fact that decision has been made.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, as of this date, we have not determined the process we are going to use. However, our intention is still to defer the harmonization policy until our projected date of October 1, 2002. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is that the intention for delaying implementation? May we have some more detail on that? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The problem with the current document is the fact that we had evaluated and acknowledged the problems with the implementation. We are still trying to work out some of the details on how we want to proceed further with this document. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister inform us as to when a decision would be made on this issue? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been assured by my department staff that the document is en route to myself for final review. As soon as that is done, I am prepared to share some of our pre-conceptual ideas on how we want to implement this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When the Minister has that, will he be scheduling a formal meeting with committees, passing that information on to Members or coming through this House? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that I will be sharing this document with my Cabinet colleagues and from there, we will decide and determine the proper procedures and how we want to communicate this back to the Members. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.