There is a Point of Order raised. Mr. Krutko, what is your Point of Order?

Point Of Order

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a Point of Order that any issues that are before the House, especially Committee of the Whole, are not to be discussed outside of Committee of the Whole and I believe the Municipal Statutes Replacement Act is in Committee of the Whole.

Thank you. The honourable Member has stated that the matter that is being spoken of by the Minister is in Committee of the Whole. There are times when the chair acts stringently on it and other times when we are a little bit more relaxed. Although the honourable Member is correct, the matter is in Committee of the Whole, it's not in contravention with that and it doesn't harm it in any way. So I will rule the Point of Order out of order. Continue, Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The community initiatives program is a way of assisting the non-tax-based communities to address local priorities in the areas of families and youth, healthy lifestyles and safety education with a special emphasis on active living. Main street chip sealing program also improves the quality of life for residents in these communities by improving road conditions and reducing dust. MACA continues to work to address the concerns and needs of non-tax-based communities in other ways.

In 2001, MACA provided community governments with support and assistance for monitoring community financial issues. Financial and auditing standards were developed to provide community governments with a baseline for reporting purposes. A community financial trends monitoring report was begun in 2000 and is now updated annually to provide community governments and MACA with the tools to identify issues which can be improved upon.

Mr. Speaker, issues related to land have always been high on the agenda of MACA. To help us better manage Commissioner's land in the NWT, MACA has developed a land administration strategic plan which will set out a framework and provide direction for future administration of Commissioner's land within the NWT. Another tool recently developed by MACA is the administration of Territorial Lands Act system, also known as ATLAS, which serves to integrate graphical and textural information for each parcel of Commissioner's land in the NWT. Mr. Speaker, while this technology is new and under development, it will serve as an important tool for community governments, aboriginal governments and any other stakeholders with an interest in land management.

Mr. Speaker, when possible, MACA shares costs and programs with other departments and governments in an effort to economize. I am pleased to report that through a partnership with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, MACA expects to have satellite imagery for 25 communities in place by the end of 2003.

Mr. Speaker, MACA has also worked hard over the past four years to revitalize the sport and recreation system in the NWT. We have increased funding levels to community governments and regional recreational associations. We have established regional staff positions to help us better promote active living, sport and recreation. MACA took the lead in the department of an active living strategy in 2002-2003. I fully expect that, during the life of this government, MACA will complete establishment of a new governance structure for sport and recreation. This will help us better ensure an equitable access to programs and funding for all communities.

MACA continues to develop and support programs related to water and sewer by cost sharing water and sewage treatment expenses for tax-based municipalities along with assisting non-taxed-based communities to correct water and sewer system deficiencies. As we undertake this work in partnership with other GNWT departments and community governments, we recognize that water quality and sewage disposal are critically important for the health and well-being of all NWT residents.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that during the 14th Legislative Assembly, legislative change has also taken place. We have made amendments to the Fire Prevention Act, the Consumer Protection Act, and the Real Estate Agents' Licensing Act. More recently, I am pleased to report that the Municipal Statutes Replacement Act is currently before the House. I anticipate that this very important legislation will be enacted before the end of the 14th Assembly and will give our community government partners the tools they need to effectively address current issues as well as plan for the ongoing evolution fog governance in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, this is a summary of some of our more noteworthy programs and accomplishments during the last four years. Programs and funding are wonderful things but they are nothing without the dedication and support of the people who work in this area. Community leaders and staff, recreation professionals and community volunteers make things happen in our communities. Associations and organizations work to advance community issues on a regional and territorial basis. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 120 professionals who make up MACA's workforce. It is a pleasure to thank all of my staff, both at headquarters and in regional offices, for their dedication, perseverance and commitment to our programs, services and the people we serve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause