Mr. Speaker, there is a movement of responsibility for staff housing to the Housing Corporation

which is occurring at this very moment. The other point is that the GNWT has another initiative to get totally out of staff housing. In answer to that question, yes, the staff housing component is being transferred to the Housing Corporation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member can appreciate, this is my third day as the Minister of Housing and I am still in the first phase of briefing with the department. I am aware of the Member's concern about downsizing the district office in Arviat. I can only say that I will review the situation and talk to the Member about it and see how we can come to an understanding.

Mr. Speaker, several days ago, the Department of Public Works had a briefing and consultation meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly, and we received some good comments and suggestions at that meeting. I would think that until the day the new policy is approved, we would continue to take suggestions and comments from Members.

Thank You, Mr. Speaker. The NWT-wide public consultation of the business incentive policy will be completed next week, on April 2nd. The drafting of a revised policy is continuing. As I mentioned before in this House, the responsibility for administering the policy and maintaining the policy will be turned over to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the very near future. So, although the Department of Public Works will continue to have a role in the business incentive policy, the responsibility will be moved to another department quite soon. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a petition regarding public service lay-offs and wage reductions that was sent to me by the Cape Dorset UNW members and hamlet employees. Petition No. 4-13(3) contains 55 signatures and the petitions request that MLAs oppose the government's initiative to cut positions and roll back wages of the UNW members, with a covering letter from Anne Freda, shop steward, Cape Dorset.

Mr. Speaker, I'm informed that, as usual, the NWT Association of Municipalities will be discussing a very wide range of issues, including the theme of their conference, which is empowerment of communities. I do have a copy of their agenda, which I would be more than pleased to pass on to the Member for his information.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, the honourable Manitok Thompson, will be attending the meeting in Inuvik, along with some senior officials from the Department of MACA and from the Premier's office.

Mr. Speaker, the Member can appreciate that this portfolio is normally handled by the Premier and I'm not as well-versed as he is in the followings of department. However, I am informed that there will be no new employees hired because of this initiative. Any

personnel functions will be dealt with within the departments with existing resources.

Mr. Speaker, I'm informed that the Financial Management Board Secretariat will be dealing with these issues and conducting the counselling that the Member refers to.