Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with first reading of Bill 24, Community Employees' Benefits Program Transfer Act.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I have so many papers in front of me. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, December 7, 1998, I will move that Bill 24, Community Employees' Benefits Program Transfer Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to proceed with the first reading of Bill 24, Community Employees' Benefits Program Transfer Act.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mike Ferris is a staff employee who we have been working with in the Nunavut area and he will be acting as deputy minister for the Nunavut government. As far as plans go for Nunavut, Mr. Ferris is fully aware of the plans and he is there to ensure that they are carried out according to the plans. Thank you. (Translation ends)

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member for Amittuq informed me of the requirement for an expansion of the gymnasium in his community. At this time, I do not have the plans in front of me, however, they are in my office and I will take notice and give him further information as to when the expansion is planned for. I know that this was discussed in detail by my senior colleagues in my office and that is my response to that question to the Member. I apologize that I do not have the information in front of me, but I will defer it to him as soon as I can. Thank you. (Translation ends)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today in most jurisdictions across Canada, Minsters responsible for the Status of Women will be presenting the Iqaluit Declaration which is a document that affirms our commitment to stop violence against women. Mr. Speaker, on December 6th, across the country we mark the national day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day in 1989, 14 young women were murdered because they were women. As we reflect on this terrible loss, we must never forget that many women continue to live and die in the shadow of violence.

Violence against women has devastating consequences in many women's lives and significant and economic repercussions for society as a whole. Every day women are intimidated, harassed, stalked, assaulted and abused, often at the hands of an intimate partner. As a society, we cannot and must not tolerate this violence. We must recognize and address the root causes of violence against women and the underlying issues of power and control. The Ministers responsible for the Status of Women share a vision of safe healthy communities where women are not exposed to violence or the threat of violence. Our vision is based on the full equality of women and men. We stress the importance of culturally appropriate and community-based solutions that take into account linguistic, cultural and geographic diversity, that respect aboriginal values and culture, and that reflect the particular needs of vulnerable groups.

Mr. Speaker, to achieve this vision, all of society must take responsibility. The elimination of violence is a long term goal which can only be realized through lasting change in societal values and attitudes. Governments cannot achieve this goal alone. Individuals, service providers, voluntary and professional organizations, the broader public and corporate sectors all have a role to play. It is important that men, as well as women, participate in finding solutions. Sustained action is required, combined with innovative, creative approaches. It is particularly important that programs and services be flexible in their design and delivery in order to be accessible and effective. In this comprehensive effort, strong coordination across all sectors is essential, first and foremost to provide safety, as well as to deal with perpetrators, and to prevent violence before it happens.

Mr. Speaker, our work to end violence against women is guided by the following principles:

*Living free of violence is a right, not a privilege.

*Violence against women is a crime and should never be considered a private matter. Crimes of violence must be dealt with accordingly.

*Safety for victims and survivors must come first.

In order to eliminate violence against women, equality and healthy relationships among boys and girls must be promoted from an early age.

Mr. Speaker, our approach is built on three key strategies; a long term focus on public education and awareness to change attitudes and behaviour; accessible and responsive services to provide safety and support to victims and prevent re-victimization; and effective justice programs to hold perpetrators accountable and provide treatment programs for abusive men.

On many fronts, our governments have shown their determination to end violence against women. Through our policies and initiatives across the country, and our leadership at the international level in ratifying United Nations conventions and supporting UN action plans, we have clearly articulated the unacceptable and intolerable nature of this violence.

Mr. Speaker, much has been done to address violence against women. We will continue to build on the expertise of women's groups and other community partners and together, we will work to improve the effectiveness of our efforts through ongoing partnerships, consultation, evaluation and research. As federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, we reaffirm our determination to stop violence against women. This is a top priority for our governments. Our commitment will be realized through the actions of each jurisdiction. Together these actions will enable us to meet the challenges and achieve our goals. We owe it to all women who may be affected by violence, now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, December 6, 1998, there will be a vigil in the Great Hall of the Legislature commemorating the Montreal Massacre that killed 14 innocent women. I welcome all Members of this House to attend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have that information in front of me, so I will take that as notice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Rabesca on November 9, 1998, Review of the Municipal Funding for MACA.

In response to the Member's question regarding funding for the community of Rae-Edzo, I would like to confirm for the Member that in recognition of the unique situation in that community, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs provided additional funding to the community of Rae-Edzo for both the 1997/1998, and 1998/1999 fiscal years. The department has also identified additional funding for the community for the 1999/2000 fiscal year subject to the approval of the Legislative Assembly.

Based on the concerns raised by the Member for North Slave, the Municipal Finance Review is considering the unique situation of separate communities within a single municipal boundary, as in Rae-Edzo. I anticipate that this review will result in recommendations regarding such situations. Thank you.

(Translation) Mr. Speaker, Members may recall the colouring book that MACA released last winter, on safety around municipal service vehicles. This colouring book has been very successful. We have received many requests for copies of it. As a result of the overwhelming interest, MACA is now producing a series of activity books to children about safety. (Translation ends)

Our first activity book features safety around dogs. It explains the responsibility that dog owners and community residents have to keep their community safe.

Future safety books will encourage consumer awareness, fire protection, emergency response and safety around animals. These books will help teachers, parents and community officials to discuss important safety issues. I would like to thank the NWT Association of Municipalities for their support in distributing the books around the north. Mr. Speaker, MACA is working with its partner agencies on many other safety initiatives for communities.

We have worked with the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation to produce an episode of the very popular children's show, "Takuginai." This episode talks about safety around dogs. MACA is also working with the NWT Dog Sledding Association to produce public service announcements on dog safety. Mr. Speaker, MACA's other initiatives include our partnership with the NWT Recreation and Parks Association and the NWT Fire Chiefs' Association to deliver playground safety workshops and inspections.

New initiatives this year include the Play Safe, Be Safe Program for pre-schoolers and the community-based Risk Watch Program. Risk Watch gives children the skills and knowledge to recognize danger and avoid risks. Other public safety resources will include ice and water safety, winter safety, fire safety, firearm safety and safety on the land. Mr. Speaker, through the participation of our partner organizations, we hope to increase awareness of safety practices in all northern communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.