That concludes my question on that matter. Thank you.

Further comments? Details? Page 9-17, education and culture, operations expense, total operation expense, $134.837 million.

Page 9-19, education and culture, grants and contributions, grants, total grants, $52,000.

Contributions, carry over to 9-21. Total contributions, $121.761 million. Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On page 9-20, the item at the bottom of the page, the NWTTA professional improvement fund. Noting about a 40 percent increase from the current year to the coming year, I wonder if the Minister could provide some information on the case for this seemingly quite significant jump. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is a benefit that is negotiated through the collective agreement, so there was an increase from 2.25 percent to three percent of salaries.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Mr. Braden.

I guess if it's a negotiated item as per a collective agreement, there is no discretion in this figure then, is that correct?

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Dent.

Mr. Chairman, this is negotiated as part of the contract with the NWTTA, so there is no discretion. This is an agree-to amount that is stipulated in that contract.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Mr. Braden.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under this item on page 9-20, NWT Arts Council, I want to just raise a concern that has been brought to many Members here from the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre for some assistance with their core funding. I just wanted to lay out the situation here where currently the northern arts centre, I think a lot of Members are aware that this facility was set up by community volunteers. They raised a lot of money to set this up and it is a very important institution in our city. I think arts and cultural activities and performances are a very integral part of any civilized society. It is something that is very appreciated and valued by the Yellowknife citizens. It certainly brings lots of cultural performances that people enjoy. But the facility is in under serious deterioration. It does need some assistance. They do raise a lot of money from selling tickets to their performances and through various funding organizations. I think what should be made aware is under the funding structures that the GNWT has, they have to apply for money along with every other society and cultural group. The only burden they have that others don't have is that they have to maintain a facility that does cost money, that does need capital investment, it does need capital replacement and such. When you look at the Yukon Arts Centre, and the Yukon has a larger population than we do and I don't think Whitehorse is much bigger than Yellowknife, yet the Yukon government gives $500,000 for core funding to their Yukon Arts Centre. Whereas, NACC gets a mere $30,000 a year from the GNWT.

What's more, Mr. Chairman, the City of Yellowknife gives $40,000 to this organization, and I think it's a real shame that the GNWT gives less than what the city does. The organization is in a serious financial situation and I just want to know if the Minister would look at his programs and see whether the government's contribution to this important organization could have any chance of improvement. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms, Lee. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I don't disagree with the Member that NACC is an important and useful organization. The facility is quite unique and also important to have. But I think it's important to recognize that the contributions from this government involve the space there. If they had to lease that space it would probably cost $100,000 a year. That's provided by this government as a charity lease. This government does pay for the utilities and maintenance, and that costs about $48,000 a year, on top of the $30,000 grant. We are always prepared to listen to requests from volunteer agencies and try to work with them to do what we can. But as recently as when Sir John was renovated, the facility was re-carpeted and

painted. To be honest, there hasn't been an official approach from this agency asking for a change in the contribution either. We would be hard pressed to change what we're doing, and as I have outlined we are doing more than just the $30,000 grant that the Member mentioned. It is a good facility and we hope to see them be successful. But this may be another situation where we're going to have to look for partnerships. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Could I just ask the Minister to consider my statement here as somewhat of a notice of the situation that's going on with NACC? I know the Minister is also well aware of the situation, and I am sure the NACC representatives would be making some sort of formal proposal. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask the Minister to take a look at the proposal and give it good consideration. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, certainly when a proposal comes forward like that, it will be given careful consideration. I would be happy, at that time, to meet with the board and discuss their proposal. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ms. Lee.