Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As everyone knows, my position doesn't lend itself well to seeing the gallery, but on my way in I did see a friend of mine, Andy Tereposky, who used to be a former boss of mine. He's also known as an excellent squash and baseball player; very good.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to also recognize the strong leadership from the Akaitcho and from the people around the Yellowknife area. I understand the mayor is also here from Yellowknife and I'd like to also recognize his leadership and his capabilities.

I'd also like to recognize the excellent work that CKLB is doing for us in this House session, because I get good comments from my region in terms of their staff doing excellent work and give them recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to recognize Mr. Don Antoine and also Denizeh (sic) Antoine. Thank you very much.

---Applause

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. If we missed anyone in the gallery today, welcome to the House. Hope you're enjoying the proceedings. It's always a pleasure to have an audience. Item 7, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are to the Minister of Justice today and it's a follow-up to my Member's statement. Mr. Speaker, I'm wondering if I could ask the Minister as to exactly what this proposed shared parenting legislation is suggesting and what exactly is this government's role in that regard. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this point I don't have any information on what the proposed legislation looks like other than the Minister of Justice has talked generally about family law with me and his desire to see it become less litigious and more avenues for resolution to these issues outside of court. I do know he intends to informally discuss with other jurisdictions some of the ways forward, but, at this point, I have no understanding from him as to what next steps might be or what legislation might look like. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It appears that he has as little information as I have in this regard and that's okay. But, Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister of Justice is aware of the fact that not only is his responsibility about consulting or being consulted on by the federal Justice Minister about their legislative proposals, but also this Minister's job is to represent the opinions and interest and discussions of the opinions of the NWT people on such proposed legislation. So I'd like to ask the Minister if he would be willing to find a way to get input from a wide, general population of the NWT before he puts forward a definitive position on such legislation being put forward by the federal government. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Bell.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. In fact we at the FPT table asked the federal government about our involvement in consultation as legislation is developed, new proposals are put forward; insisted that we need more involvement in that because obviously there are implications for us in our jurisdictions, not the least of which become cost implications. So we've expressed an interest in more formalized consultation. At this point there is no formal proposal on any new legislation, but should there be one I would expect that we would be involved and would certainly ensure all stakeholders in the Northwest Territories had a vehicle for input.

Mr. Speaker, let me also say that I've made the point clear to Justice Canada that we need to renew our contribution agreement between NWT Justice and federal Justice. There are a number of very worthwhile initiatives that are currently being funded in this area; our Family Law Clinic, seminars for parents, mediation for separating couples. We do this not only in Yellowknife and Hay River, but they're available by teleconference, Mr. Speaker. So there are a number of good initiatives. We need them to continue and we're going to need federal cost-shared dollars in that respect. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In terms of input process and consultation process, I think the Minister is well aware of the fact that there's a very active family law Bar in our territory, that there's a family law section. Would the Minister make a commitment to consult with them extensively and the lawyers that practice in this area, as

well as all the parents and interest groups, women's groups? The family law is a very complex area and I think it's important that in order that the NWT puts its position forward that's comprehensive and representative of the general population, that he does his homework in making sure that he gets all the information that he needs. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Bell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree; obviously the responsibility is on the federal government to adequately consult as they develop legislation. But I certainly won't duck the issue or the obligation to ensure all NWT interests are heard and we have a balanced perspective that's brought forward. So yes, as the federal government goes forward, when and if they propose to develop legislation of this kind, I would ensure that all stakeholders have a chance to voice their opinions and express their thoughts on how we might improve this area of family law. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Final supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could I just get the Minister to...He wasn't clear whether he will do the consultation himself or he would ask the federal government to do that. Could I ask him again that if he's going to put a government position forward in this kind of legislation, that he would commit to consulting himself before he forms an opinion on such legislation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Mr. Bell.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I will commit to doing that. I would expect the federal government to take the lead and, in fact, consult in all jurisdictions, involve us in that consultation. But failing what we see as adequate federal consultation, obviously we would step into the breach. But I think there is a role for both parties. We certainly will be involved in this at any rate. Obviously we have an interest in ensuring that this meets our needs in the Northwest Territories. So yes, if there's going to be the development of legislation, we will consult our stakeholders and ensure the federal government has and understands the views of northerners on this issue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister responsible for Finance, Mr. Roland.