Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to hear the Minister is committed to working with other aboriginal language organizations in different respective regions. Mr. Speaker, I would like to continue with my question concerning these distinct and philosophical differences each group expressed in the development of the original curriculum. Is the Minister prepared to provide the same amount of financial support to Athabaskan language communities for the work on the new curriculum? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In order to develop the curriculum for the different language groups we have in the Northwest Territories, it may take more in some areas; it may take less in others. We are prepared, over the next few years, to spend what it takes to develop appropriate curriculum in each region. We have to work within existing budgets, so it may take longer to do in some areas or it may take less time depending on how quickly the work can get done.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when questioned on this issue -- it was addressed during the previous session -- the Minister informed this House all the areas that are part of the curriculum in the Northwest Territories have to receive attention and make sure there is an important curriculum in place. Considering the state of our languages and the rapid rate of language loss, the need for aboriginal language curriculum is urgent. What measures will the Minister take to ensure that the language curriculum is given equal priority to other subjects and funds are found to guarantee its success? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is aware, we have issued a directive ensuring that all of the DECs and education councils have to deliver aboriginal language and culture according to the directive. We want to see the money spent where it is going to do the most good. We have the same commitment to aboriginal languages as we have to social studies to English to all of the other areas of the curriculum. We are investing in those areas.

Mr. Speaker, one of the other things we've done recently is make sure that this year we have a base-funded program to help the college deliver a program for aboriginal language and culture instructors, and those people will also be needed to help us develop the curricula. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, maybe I can throw in another angle. Assuming that the DEAs, the teaching and learning centres, the language communities, have committed to working together to create a language curriculum that fits their needs in the regions, will the Minister at least commit to considering the work plan and suggestions put forth by the Aboriginal Languages Special Advisory Committee? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of course we can consider work plans that are brought forward by people who are specialists in that area from the region. It's important to remember, though, like the development of the Dene Kede which took many years to develop in each of the regions so that it actually works for all of the different cultures in the Northwest Territories, it's going to take a number of years for us to develop all of the curricula for languages in the North. But we are committed to doing that work and working with people who are experts in that area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement yesterday I spoke to the practice of asking employees to sometimes provide a medical prognosis from a doctor when they get a medical leave form. Twenty-four hours later my opinion hasn't changed. I still think it's unfair. Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Dent. I'd like to ask the Minister if there's a policy in place that requires employees to have a prognosis if they're getting a medical leave form from a doctor. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Human Resources, Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I listened, with interest, to the Member's statement yesterday and I understand the concern that he's expressed, particularly if there was some thought that a patient's personal information could be included in a prognosis. Our policy allows the employer to get a prognosis from a doctor to get an indication of when an employee might be able to come back to work and whether or not they're going to be able to resume work without some limitations. So quite clearly, under the policy of sick leave, Human Resources, or part of the human resource manual that deals with sick leave, the policy clearly says that it's a statement from a medical practitioner which outlines the long or short-term impact of the employee's medical condition on the employee's ability to carry out all or some duties. The medical prognosis does not provide detailed information respecting the condition, but provides information respecting the employee's medically endorsed precautions and capabilities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The doctor's leave form says an employee can't be at work for a week. Is that not sufficient enough? Does this apply to all employees who have received a medical leave form or just a select few? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The medical prognosis isn't required with all employees, but it can be requested of any employee. It's something that each manager is left to determine whether or not it's something they should ask an employee to provide. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to ask the Minister if there was a particular reason this policy was brought forward. Were they having problems with employees taking advantage of medical leave forms? Is that why this policy was brought forward? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can't speak as to why this item would have been included in the

sick leave policy, but I would say that it's certainly something that an employer would be interested in knowing whether or not there are terms or conditions, or there are certain conditions, that the employer should be aware of in making sure whether or not there's an accommodation required for an employee, or how long an employee might be expected to be off work, and whether or not there should be a plan put in place to ensure that when they return to work they are able to continue.