Please be seated. Good morning, colleagues. Welcome back to the House.

Colleagues, yesterday during oral questions, I disallowed a supplementary question on the grounds that it alluded to documents that were not before this House. In addition, the Chair was concerned about references to in-camera committee proceedings. While it was an oral question that ultimately led to my intervention, a number of similar references from both sides of the House preceded the oral question. I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to remind all Members of my previous rulings on matters such as this.

On October 21, 2004, I delivered a ruling on a point of order that clarified what is and is not acceptable in terms of referring to discussions at standing committees. In this ruling, I stated that neither Ministers nor Regular Members are permitted to allude to proceedings in standing committees until the committee has addressed these proceedings in a report to the House. This does not mean that the government is precluded from disclosing information in the House that has not been made public, even if this information has been discussed with standing committee.

However, specific reference to the in-camera proceedings of standing committees by either committee members, ordinary Members who are not members of the committee, or Ministers, is strictly prohibited until the details of such proceedings have been reported to this House.

Of course, as Chair, I am not always aware of what has or has not been discussed in standing committee. As such, I am reluctant to intervene unless a perceived breach is brought to my attention by way of point of order. However, the debate in the House yesterday that led to my intervention dealt with the contents of a legislative proposal and the ensuing discussions that occurred between the sponsoring Minister and the responsible standing committee. Legislative proposals are, by definition, matters subject to committee confidentiality. Therefore, I am unable to think of any circumstance where either a Minister or a Regular Member should discuss the details of a legislative proposal in this House, or the specifics of any standing committee meeting dealing with a legislative proposal.

I remind and encourage all Members to refrain from divulging any part of the proceedings of an in-camera committee meeting until it has been addressed in a report to the House. Failure to do so may not only constitute a breach of order, it may also constitute a prima facie breach of privilege.

Thank you for your attention, Members. Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. The honourable Premier, Mr. Handley.

Recommendations

In the 2005-2006 annual report, the Commissioner makes six recommendations:

Languages Commissioner Recommendation 1

That the Legislative Assembly clarify what is meant by paragraph six of the preamble to the Official Languages Act. Further, paragraph 10 of the preamble should be deleted.

Paragraph six speaks to the purpose of the act with regard to the use of aboriginal languages. Presently, the act reads that aboriginal languages should be used "for all and any official purposes of the Northwest Territories at the time and in the manner that is appropriate." The Commissioner recommends that the meaning of this section needs to be clarified and suggests replacement with: "... the use of aboriginal languages in the manners and circumstances specifically identified and provided for in the act."

Paragraph ten of the preamble relates to "language of work." The Commissioner recommends the deletion of this paragraph, because workplace language is not addressed in the Official Languages Act nor in any other GNWT policy. Presently the protection from discrimination in employment practices stems from the Human Rights Act.

The committee shares the Commissioner's perception that the wording on language of work incorrectly suggests the act provides language rights in the workplace, which it does not.

Committee Recommendation

The committee recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories include in its next bill to amend the Official Languages Act changes to clarify the wording of paragraph six of the preamble leading to a more specific prescription for the use of aboriginal languages provided for in either the act or regulations;

The committee further recommends the deletion of paragraph 10, which deals with "language of work," until such time as workplace language is addressed.

Languages Commissioner Recommendation 2

That the Official Languages Act of the Northwest Territories be amended to include a provision that binds all contractors with the Government of the Northwest Territories. Suggested wording is as follows:

Every government institution has the duty to ensure that, where services are provided or made available by another person or organization on its behalf, any member of the public in the Northwest Territories or elsewhere can communicate with and obtain those services from that person or organization in any particular official language in any case where those services, if provided by the institution, would be required to be provided in that official language.

The committee discussed these recommendations with interest, however, decided that more clarity about their implications is needed. The committee agrees that they deserve further consideration.

Languages Commissioner Recommendation 3

That the Legislative Assembly consider amending section 11 of the Official Languages Act such that, instead of defining language rights based on the concepts of "significant demand" and "nature of the office," language rights in the area of communication with the public be based on the following principles:

That some basic services should be available in any and all official languages, regardless of geographical area. This should include health services, mandatory registration, licensing, safety and other services that the Legislature consider essential.

That other services should be available according to designated language areas that are established in regulation. As well, those services that must be provided in those designated areas should also be set out in regulation, instead of policies and guidelines. In this way, the responsibility to provide such services will be clear and binding.

Committee Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends the GNWT examine and report back on the implications and advisability of extending obligations of the Official Languages Act to third parties that provide direct government services on a contractual basis.

Furthermore, the committee recommends the GNWT review and report back on the legal implications and the feasibility of abandoning the concepts of "significant demand" and "nature of the office" in favour of regulations specifying "basic services that should be available in any and all official languages regardless of the geographic area."

Languages Commissioner Recommendation 4

That the Legislative Assembly and all government departments review their systems for providing service through 1-800 numbers. Where a person who requests services in French will be transferred to an identified individual, consideration should be given to an automated response system for the 1-800 number, allowing for an individual to choose services in English or in French. The same approach should be considered for other official languages.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight cautiously supports this recommendation of the Languages Commissioner and was pleased that the Commissioner considers this service delivery method appropriate for aboriginal languages as well. The

committee feels strongly that a government-wide coordinated approach is needed to streamline the consistency and extent of the services delivered in languages other than English. The committee also considered financial implications of the recommendations and favours coordination as well in light of the potential for cost efficiencies. However, the committee cautions that service delivery through 1-800 or toll-free numbers has its limitations and might not be the only option for government-wide coordination of services delivered in all official languages.

Committee Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends the GNWT review and report back on their system for providing service through toll-free numbers in French and aboriginal Languages.

Languages Commissioner Recommendation 5

That the Government of the Northwest Territories immediately implements a plan for the training and certification of interpreters and translators.

With the closure of the aboriginal languages section of the GNWT Language Bureau in the mid-1990s, the Northwest Territories has lost any institution that would be responsible for language standards, terminology development, training and accreditation. The precarious situation of our aboriginal languages combined with the declining numbers of mother tongue speakers makes the need to actively address the revitalization of the aboriginal languages more urgent. In recent years, the former Languages Commissioner and the Special Committee on Official Languages addressed the need for capacity building through the development of translation standards as well as training and certification standards for interpreters and translators.

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommended in its Report on the Review of the 2004-2005 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner that "...the GNWT work with Aurora College to deliver a basic interpreter/translator training program for aboriginal languages, as well as specialized training in medical terminology." While the government supports the idea in general, it "delegated" any action to the college and further made any action dependent on "sufficient demand and program funding." The government's response did not indicate any specific steps towards such an undertaking.

In her report, the Commissioner points out that despite the recognition of the importance of interpreter/translator training and certification, little has been done to actually implement any required steps that would address such education and standardization needs. In recommendation five, the Commissioner is clear about her expectations towards the GNWT in this regard.

The committee also notes that the re-establishment of training and certification for aboriginal languages interpreter/translator programs would be an important step towards language and terminology standardization as a vital aspect of language revitalization.

Committee Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the GNWT implement a plan for the training and certification of interpreters and translators.

Languages Commissioner Recommendation 6

That the Government of the Northwest Territories immediately create a registry of interpreters and translators that is available to both the public and private sector.

Both the former Languages Commissioner Judi Tutcho in her Special Report on Privatization and the Special Committee on Official Languages have previously recommended the creation of an interpreter/translator registry. However, to date, no such registry is in existence, so it remains difficult to find qualified interpreters and translators. Certified interpreters/translators who are established in their profession are often extremely busy and cannot keep up with the demand. Creating a public registry would have multiple benefits like encouraging others to enter into the field and increasing the accessibility to professional linguistic services.

The Commissioner concludes her findings accordingly: "It is imperative that the public registry be developed immediately." The committee shares the Commissioner's sense of urgency on this issue, but cautions against creating a registry that would not be based on measurable standards of qualification, out of fairness to both interpreters and translators, and members of the public who might rely on such a list.

Committee Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the GNWT, after progress has been made with the establishment of interpreter/translator training and certification program, proceed with establishing a registry of interpreters and translators for all official languages.

In conclusion, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight encourages the Commissioner to exercise her powers and make full use of her mandate, which, as outlined in section 20 of the Official Languages Act, includes ensuring recognition of the rights, status and privileges of each of the official languages and compliance with the spirit and intent of the act in the administration of the affairs of government institutions, and conducting investigations on her own initiative.

Committee Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends the GNWT table a comprehensive response to this report within 120 days.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Tabling of documents. Pursuant to section 14 of the indemnities, allowances and expenditure regulations of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, I hereby table the statutory declarations of residence of the following Members of the Assembly: Mrs. Jane Groenewegen, Member for Hay River South, declaration dated February 15, 2007; Mr. J. Michael Miltenberger, Member for Thebacha, declaration dated February 15, 2007; Mr. Bobby J. Villeneuve, Member for Tu Nedhe, declaration dated February 14, 2007; and, Mr. Norman Yakeleya, Member for Sahtu, declaration dated February 14, 2007.

Tabling of documents. Notices of motion. Notices of motion for first reading of bills. First reading of bills. Second reading of bills. Second reading of bills.

Colleagues, before I go into the next item on the order paper and move into Committee of the Whole, I want to remind Members of your rules regarding reference to persons who are unable to defend themselves in this House apply equally in Committee of the Whole as they do in formal session. In reviewing the unedited Hansard from yesterday's Committee of the whole, I was troubled to see that on at least one occasion, specific reference was made to personnel and private information regarding a health care professional in one of our small communities. It is both a rule of this Assembly and a common courtesy not to make specific reference to persons who are not Members of this House and who do not enjoy parliamentary immunity. This includes reference to Members of the public specifically by name or in such a way that there can be no mistake as to the identity of the individual involved. The parliamentary immunity that we all enjoy with in this Chamber comes with certain responsibilities. I would ask that Members respect the rights of those who do not have a direct voice in this Chamber both in formal session and in Committee of the Whole. Thank you, colleagues.

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 18, Bill 19 and Bill 21, Committee Reports 7-15(5), 8-15(5) and 9-15(5) with Mrs. Groenewegen in the chair.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Very well expressed, I'm sure, to a number of Members from this House.

Speaker's RulingMembers, before I proceed to the next item on the Order Paper, I would like to provide a ruling concerning the tabling of unsigned documents in this House.

The House will recall that on Friday, February 9, 2007, the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre tabled an unsigned, unidentified copy of an e-mail correspondence.

The question of unsigned tabled documents is not addressed in the rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. However, I refer Members to the 12th Assembly of this Legislature and to a ruling made by Speaker Samuel Gargan on March 27, 1995.

Mr. Gargan undertook a meticulous examination of unsigned tabled documents reviewing rules, precedents and authorities. I quote from his ruling found on page 612 of Hansard, March 27, 1995, which states:

After reviewing parliamentary precedent and rulings from other jurisdictions, I have become clearly aware of the requirements and limitations as to the content for petitions and tabled documents, including the concern as the verification and authenticity of letters and any facts contained therein. It is my ruling that it is not an acceptable practice to table unsigned letters in this House. Therefore, all letters tabled, whether it be by the government or by Ordinary Members, will have to be forthwith directed from a specific individual or organization, dated and signed.

Speaker Gargan also quoted from Beauchesne's, 6th Edition, citation 493, subsection (4), cautioning Members to "exercise great care in making statements about persons who are outside of the House and unable to reply."

Speaker Gargan once again ruled on the tabling of unsigned documents on January 28, 1998, during the sitting of the 13th Assembly, and found his former ruling to be "clear and concise with respect to the issue."

I agree with Speaker Gargan on both of these counts and it is, therefore, my ruling that the document tabled in this House on Friday, February 9th, 2007, does not meet the requirements as set out for a tabled document. The document is considered not to be in the acceptable format and should not have been tabled in this House. I direct the Clerk to remove the item from the tabled document list and to amend Hansard to reflect this change. Thank you, Members.

Orders of the day. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Bell.

NWT Housing Corporation

Introduction

Members of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, as members of the Accountability and Oversight committee, were involved in the new pre-budget consultation process with the people of the Northwest Territories in late August of 2006. Hearings were held north and south of the lake, and gave ordinary northerners and non-governmental organizations the opportunity to provide input to MLAs on the priorities that the budget should focus on.

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on Wednesday, September 25, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

Members considered the draft main estimates, including the changes to the budget of the NWT Housing Corporation since the committee reviewed the business plan in September, on January 16, 2007.

The committee noted the total operating budget for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation for 2007-2008 is planned at $119.270 million. Of this total amount, the corporation proposes $68.060 million in revenues or non-cash items, and a GNWT contribution of $51.210 million.

The following outlines committee members' issues from their review of the 2007-2008 budget-planning cycle.

Pre-Budget Consultations

Housing and lack of available land in the communities were once again major issues brought forward by residents during the pre-budget consultation process.

Members of the Accountability and Oversight committee heard that the lack of available and affordable rental units in communities like Fort Liard are impacting on the ability of the Dehcho Education Authority to hire and retain qualified teachers.

The committee heard many complaints about the way in which the NWT Housing Corporation delivers housing programs in the communities and how contractors are not always living up to their obligations. Members were told of examples where contractors had moved on to the next Housing Corporation contract without doing the final finishing work on the previous contract. Homeowners are finding it next to impossible to get some contractors to finish the work on their houses.

The Social Programs committee has discussed the issue of contractors not fulfilling the terms of contracts with the Minister and has received assurances that with the hiring of new technical officers in the regions and an improved inspection process, the issue of contractors not finishing should be resolved. However, contractors that abuse the process should note that if they continue to not fulfill the terms of contracts with the NWT Housing Corporation, they run the risk of being not allowed to bid on subsequent contracts.

Seniors also raised many issues during the pre-budget consultation process. The biggest concern is the gaps in services between seniors who choose to stay in their own homes and those seniors who are in Housing Corporation units.

Seniors living in Housing Corporation units do not pay any rent or major utility costs, and have all maintenance issues handled by their local housing authorities, whereas those seniors living in their own homes are responsible for the cost of utilities and paying for the upkeep of their homes.

Leaving aside the heating and power subsidies and homecare, there is a shortage of government programs that encourage seniors to stay in their own homes.

On a positive note, the Housing Corporation, as part of its program consolidation, has changed the eligibility requirements and income thresholds to access their repair programs. For example, there were many seniors that were not eligible for the previous Repair Program because they had already accessed funding through the Housing Corporation. Under the new Repair Program, the fact that you have accessed funding in the past is no longer a factor, and eligibility is determined by income and the nature of the problem.

This should make it easier for lower-income seniors living in their own homes to access funding for repairs, especially those residents who were among the first homeownership clients of the Housing Corporation and are now seniors.

Members also heard from seniors living in public housing who are more than willing to pay rent based on their income. There are cases of northerners retiring and liquidating significant assets, like their homes and businesses, so that they can move into public housing. This does not meet the intent of public housing, which is to help those who cannot meet the obligations financially or physically of running their own homes. It is anticipated that this will be dealt with through the Income Security Program review currently under way under the leadership of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The committee plans to continue monitoring the issues that were raised during the pre-budget consultations and will be incorporating them into a transition report for the Members of the next Assembly, to make them aware of the situation and the steps taken by the Housing Corporation and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to alleviate the problems.

New Mandate And Structure For The Delivery Of Housing In The NWT

Much of the discussion at the committee level over the budget planning cycle has focused on the new mandate and structure for the NWT Housing Corporation.

There was a breakdown in the committee consultation process that has been addressed and remedied. Members of the committee were provided the opportunity to comment on the program redesign and were pleased that a number of their suggestions were incorporated into the final product that was announced at the start of this session.

Federal Funding For Social Housing And Non-Market Communities

The issue of declining funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to maintain existing public housing stocks remains a concern of the committee. In 2006-2007, the first year that there was a significant drop in CMHC funding, we lost $328,000. The decreases will vary from year to year, but the end result is the total lapse of CMHC funding by the year 2037-2038. Again, the Minister is encouraged to work with his provincial and territorial counterparts to lobby the federal government to reinstate funding for the building and delivery of social housing.

The effect of the declining CMHC funding is exacerbated by the reluctance of the current federal government to live up to the terms of the Kelowna Accord, which would have provided significant funding to meet the housing needs of aboriginals.

Again, the Minister, as the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation and as the Premier, is encouraged to work with his provincial and territorial counterparts and aboriginal governments to see this agreement fulfilled.

Land Issues

It is noted that since the review of the last main estimates, the Housing Corporation has been resourced to increase the number of employees involved in the development and acquisition of land to build housing units at both the headquarters and regional level.

It is hoped that these new positions and the importance that the Housing Corporation is placing on acquiring the necessary lands to deliver their programming will result in more building lots in the communities.

However, it must be made clear to aboriginal and local governments that they have a role to play and must cooperate in the development of lots in their communities. The committee understands that under the Northern Housing Strategy, if lots cannot be developed in a community for whatever reason, the corporation will have no choice but to move new housing to communities that do have available lots.

This issue will be mentioned in the transition report to the next Assembly so that progress can be measured.

Mortgage Arrears

Since 1995, the figures on mortgages in arrears have gone from 40 clients owing $106,164 to 463 clients owing $6,853,539 million. This is a disturbing trend that shows no sign of abating. If we do not take immediate action, it will become unmanageable in a few short years.

The committee has been briefed on the steps that the corporation is planning to take in dealing with clients that are in mortgage arrears and has given its support. The focus of the plan is to work with each client to develop a repayment plan. In those cases where a person is unable to work out a repayment plan, they will be asked to sign the asset over to the Housing Corporation and begin paying rent. As long as a person is willing to follow one of the defined processes, and meet the criteria to live in public housing, no one will put out in the cold. It should be made clear, however, that just as a person can be evicted

from social housing for not meeting the terms of their rental agreement, so can a person be forced out of their home if they are not meeting the terms of their mortgage agreement.

One of the goals of the 15th Assembly is the development of self-reliant people. Homeownership is an important part of self-reliance. By not taking remedial action with those who are behind in their mortgages, we are encouraging dependence and, worse, we are putting these people further and further into debt. The lack of action is also unfair to NWT residents who either have a mortgage in good standing with the Housing Corporation or who paid the taxes that allowed the corporation to lend money for mortgages in the first place.

This issue will also be outlined in the transition report to the next Assembly. The committee will be strongly recommending that the 16th Assembly support the NWT Housing Corporation's plan to address mortgage arrears.

Program Redesign

The Housing Corporation has decreased the number of programs that it delivers and has consolidated the remaining programs into four programs areas. The intention is to simplify the application process and to make access to the programs easier for low-income homeowners.

Income thresholds and base house prices have been established for each community in the NWT, and sliding scales that clearly define the amount of assistance that is available have been developed.

The committee was very concerned that the Housing Corporation was going to continue its "step" scale for assessing assistance levels, in which there were some very sharp drop-offs in eligibility. For example, a person earning $50,000 a year would be eligible for $85,000 in assistance and a person earning $50,001 would only be eligible for $75,000. Losing $10,000 in eligibility for earning one dollar more was seen to be extremely unfair and could be a disincentive to work for some people who were considering buying a house using a NWT Housing Corporation program.

Members were pleased that the Minister agreed with the committee's concerns and has introduced a sliding scale that is directly tied to income and has no drop-off points. So under the new sliding scale, if you made $50,000 you would be eligible for $85,000 and if you made $50,001 you would be eligible for $84,499.

In addition, the corporation will be introducing an appeal process for those who feel they were not treated fairly by the application process. This appeal process will be modeled on the Student Financial Assistance Appeal Committee. It is a two-step appeal process, with an appeal committee that will make a decision in 15 days or less, and, if the person is still not satisfied, an appeal board that will make a decision in 45 days or less.

The committee's concerns over the appeal process centred on the methodology that would be used. The SFA appeal process is seen by committee to be both fair and timely.

Department Of Health And Social Services

Introduction

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on Thursday, September 21, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Health and Social Services.

Members considered the draft main estimates, including the changes to the budget of the Department of Health and Social Services since the committee reviewed the business plan in September, on January 16, 2007.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $277.395 million in operations expense and $10.109 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 budget-planning cycle.

Non-Governmental Organization Funding

The committee was pleased that the department has provided extra funding for forced growth for some of the first tier non-governmental organizations that provide programs and services to NWT residents. While Members are sure that each affected NGO will be pleased they are receiving additional funding, it is not clear whether the funding will be adequate to meet the actual forced growth costs being experienced by the NGO.

It is the hope of Members that the examination of NGO forced growth requirements would become part of the annual business planning exercise for the department.

Another aspect of our relationship with NGOs is that most operate under short-term, one-year agreements. Many of these are renewed, but only through annual, exhaustive renegotiations and full-blown audits that sap the energy of NGO volunteers and bureaucrats alike, and chew up scarce administrative dollars.

Members and committees have long advocated multi-year contracts where continuous services delivered by NGOs with good track records are the norm. Ministers have assured us that FAA rules do allow it. It is time the government direct its staff to proactively seek out these opportunities and act on them.

Homelessness Funding

The government has finally incorporated the funding that it has been providing to address short-term winter homelessness into the base for the department. This allows the department to provide funding to the SideDoor Youth Centre in Yellowknife and the Turning Point Shelter in Inuvik to deal with the homeless during the coldest months of the year. It also provides funding through the homeless contribution program to help communities with homeless programs, and the homeless travel assistance fund, which will pay for a person to return to a community where they have supports that include a place to stay.

There is also an additional $200,000 included in the base funding that was not present in previous supplementary funding. The initial approach of the department was to allocate this fund to do community needs assessments in 2007-2008 and roll out the funding to the communities in

subsequent years. The committee is pleased to have been able to work with the department and reach an agreement to put the funds toward the contribution funding allocation for community programs so that communities would be able to access the funding for the programs that meet their needs. We would like to thank the Minister and the department for working with the committee on this funding allocation.

Dementia Facility And Other Territorial Long-Term Care Facilities

Members continue to support the building of a dedicated territorial dementia facility in Yellowknife. The committee believes it is important to keep patients in long-term care as close as possible to their families for as long as possible. The recent and ongoing renovations to long-term care facilities will accomplish this.

However, it is clear to Members that there is a need for a territorial facility that can accommodate high-need dementia patients who can no longer be safely cared for in a regional long-term care facility.

The department is encouraged to continue working with the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors in developing a reasonable facility that can meet the needs of northerners.

Dietary Needs Of Northern Residents

There is the potential that the declining caribou herds will have an impact on the ability of residents in some communities to eat a healthy diet. In isolated communities, it may be too expensive for residents to replace caribou with store-bought meat, and the availability of other country food may be limited or foods not readily adapted to the local diet or culture. The committee believes there is a clear need for the government to develop contingency plans.

The department has agreed to provide the committee with a draft summary of options in the near future.

The committee will continue tracking this issue and will discuss the impact that potential conservation efforts will have on community health. This issue will also be mentioned in the transition document to the next Assembly.

Revitalization Of Social Worker Profession In The NWT

During discussions on the business plan, Members expressed concern about the state of the social work profession in the NWT. It was acknowledged the Northwest Territories is well served by members of the profession, however, many of these professionals, particularly at the community level, are nearing well-deserved retirement. The problem is there is reluctance on the part of northern students to consider social work as a profession. In some years, Aurora College has been unable to deliver the Social Worker Diploma Program because of a lack of interest. The committee notes that the Social Worker Program will be delivered at the Yellowknife Campus this year.

The department's response indicates that it is willing to work with the other departments that employ social workers and the Department of Human Resources to come up with a strategy to meet the needs of the social worker profession.

The committee notes that there is important ongoing work relating to the on-the-job safety of social workers, a review of the Social Worker Program at Aurora College and, in conjunction with the Association of Social Workers in Northern Canada, the development of a legislative proposal and the regulation of the social worker profession in the NWT.

The committee looks forward to the results of these important initiatives and progress on the development of an interdepartmental working group.

Members strongly encourage the department to be aggressive in staffing these positions. Recent media reports seem to indicate that audiologists are in high demand and that the NWT's pay scale may no longer be realistic or a sufficient incentive to attract experienced and qualified candidates. The department, within the context of the Collective Agreement, will have to look for solutions to this dilemma.

Once the teams are in place, it is expected that wait times for rehabilitation services should be dramatically reduced and that services to children in the school system will improve. It is extremely important that the rehabilitation teams establish a close working relationship with schools, educators and child psychologists.

The one area of concern for the committee was the workload that the Yellowknife-based team would have in meeting the needs of the residents of the Tlicho, Sahtu and Deh Cho regions. Some members of the committee believe there should be regularly scheduled visits to each community within these regions, while others would prefer the workload to determine the service patterns. The department is encouraged to monitor the workload of all the rehabilitation teams to ensure there is a proper distribution of resources and that extra help is provided to those teams that require it.

Department Of Education, Culture And Employment

Introduction

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on Monday, September 22, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Health and Social Services.

Members considered the draft main estimates, including the changes to the budget of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment since the committee reviewed the business plan in September, on January 16, 2007.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $286.150 million in operations expense and $40.445 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 budget-planning cycle.

Early Childhood Development (Day Care)

Since the review of the business plans in September, the department added $1 million to the base for early

childhood development. This new funding is being split between $600,000 in funding for the start-up and operation of licensed childcare centres and family day homes, and $400,000 to increase childcare user subsidies. This funding will be welcomed by licensed day care operators and should alleviate some of the immediate strains on the system.

However, there are still concerns in communities over the lack of suitable facilities to locate day care programs. Increasing funding for start-up costs may help a few communities reprofile existing facilities to house a day care program, but will not help communities that have no suitable facilities in the public or private sectors.

The committee will be tracking this issue and offering comments in the transition document to the next Assembly.

Language And Cultural Instructor Program At Aurora College

During the review of the business plan, committee members expressed their concern that the Language and Cultural Instructor Program was not being delivered on a full-time basis at any of the Aurora College campuses or in any interested communities.

If schools are to be successful in delivering aboriginal language and cultural activities in the schools and out on the land, it is important that the people leading the classes have an understanding of classroom theory as well as being grounded in their traditional knowledge.

The committee is pleased that the department was able secure funding to run a two-year LCIP program beginning in the 2007-2008 Aurora College schedule.

Capital Projects Costing

Members remain concerned with the increases in costs for capital projects. It is clear that the only role for legislators is to approve the initial start to a project. The numbers and project scope that are approved at that time have no relation to the final actual costs or project. Two examples would include the Deh Cho Bridge, where bids came in nearly $50 million more than expected, and the schools in Inuvik, which have seen their estimates increase nearly every year as the details were worked out.

It is understood that increases in the prices of building material and the shortage of skilled tradespeople make it difficult for the Department of Public Works and Services to provide solid financial numbers for large scale projects that may take up to six years to complete.

However, there are examples, like the Territorial Treatment Centre in Hay River, where, in the minds of committee members, proper planning was not undertaken in advance of the project getting into the capital plan.

In this example, Members had been asked to approve a renovation to an existing facility and were disturbed to see, some months later, a tender call for the demolition of the facility. Finally, a determination was made that it made economic sense to renovate. The committee believes that this is the type of work that should be completed prior to any project being included in the capital plan.

This is an issue that will be tracked and commented on by various Members during the review of the main estimates. It will also be mentioned as an issue for the 16th Assembly in the transition document.

Department Of Justice

Introduction

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on Tuesday, September 26, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Justice.

Members considered the draft main estimates, including the changes to the budget of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment since the committee reviewed the business plan in September, on January 16, 2007.

The committee noted expenditures of $88.441 million for operations expense and $618,000 to be spent on capital projects for the fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 budget-planning cycle.

Pre-Budget Consultations

This year's pre-budget consultation focused on the cost of living and consequently there were not as many comments received as last year on the state of justice programs in the NWT. Many residents and NGOs did comment on the inadequacy of funding for community justice programs. This issue will be discussed later in the committee's report.

Policing In Smaller Communities

The standing committee was very pleased to see that the department has secured funding for a full-time RCMP detachment in Sachs Harbour. The sheer distance and frequent adverse weather conditions make it imperative to have RCMP stationed in Sachs Harbour on a permanent basis.

However, there are other communities in the NWT that can only be reached by air during most of the year that require a full-time RCMP presence. Gameti and Colville Lake are two of the most isolated communities without a permanent detachment.

The committee encourages the department to work with the RCMP to come up with a timetable to introduce full-time detachments to the communities of Colville Lake and Gameti.

Community Justice Committees

During the last two pre-budget consultations, we heard that more funding should be directed to the local justice committees. Over the last couple of business planning cycles, the Standing Committee on Social Programs has made recommendations calling for increased funding for the operation of community justice committees and for paying the community justice coordinators.

Committee members are pleased the department has finally come through with additional funding for the Community Justice Program. Ten thousand dollars for each community justice committee will be phased in over

the next three years to increase pay for community justice coordinators. Per-capita funding for each community justice committee will also be increased by 10 percent. Finally, an NWT programs/project coordinator position will be established to provide administrative support and advice to the community agencies who wish to develop goals, objectives, accountability frameworks and program evaluation.

Funding will also be increased for victim services, with a $25,000 increase for each of the existing five programs to $75,000 per year, and $75,000 will also be available for new victim services in one community each in the Tlicho and Deh Cho. A regional victim services assistant position will be established to assist community-based agencies in delivering victim service levels equivalent to those of community justice and police services in the NWT.

Members of the committee were pleased with the department's focus on increasing funding and support for victim services and community justice committees at a local level.

Members will be consulting with constituents on the adequacy of this new focus and may include it in the transition document to the next Assembly.

Legal Aid In The NWT

During the life of this Assembly, there have been several initiatives to improve the delivery of legal aid in the NWT. The addition of several staff lawyers and the opening of a new Family Law Clinic in Yellowknife are two examples.

However, it is clear that without the support of private practice lawyers in shouldering a share of the caseload, the legal aid system in the NWT cannot be sustained through the use of staff lawyers.

Committee members regularly hear from constituents eligible for legal aid of delays in obtaining legal representation, especially in civil matters relating to family law.

The department has incorporated a 15 percent increase for the legal aid tariff rates that should hopefully encourage private practice lawyers to take on more legal aid cases.

This issue will be mentioned in the transition document, so that the next Assembly can track this initiative's success or failure.

Municipal And Community Affairs

General Comments

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on September 26, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

The committee considered the department's draft main estimates on January 16 and 17, 2007.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $114.7 million in operations expenses and $32.1 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 Draft Main Estimates and budget-planning cycle.

New Deal For Community Governments

The New Deal is a proposal from MACA to the communities, which is to provide communities with greater control and decision-making over their infrastructure, including planning and decision-making for capital projects.

The Governance and Economic Development committee has been cautiously supportive of this initiative. For example, we know that capital projects can run into difficulty and unexpectedly require expensive advice in the form of legal, engineering and contracts expertise which communities will need the capacity to manage. The committee is pleased that MACA committed to working with the NWT Association of Communities to make the New Deal a graduated process for communities. The committee is also pleased communities will receive increased funding to help them budget for long-term capital projects.

The committee appreciates MACA has several reports it uses to review the financial status of community governments. However, since we will no longer be reviewing the communities' capital appropriations, Members of the Legislative Assembly will need to have a level of comfort that public funds are being spent responsibly and the New Deal is providing communities with sufficient expertise and adequate funding for control over their infrastructure. For instance, Members are aware there are already problems arising with the revised water and sewer allocations. We have also been unable to review the baseline assessment study because it has been delayed. The baseline assessment study will look at every piece of community public infrastructure, including environmental liabilities, in every community, to evaluate the state it is in before MACA transfers those assets. These are the early days of the project and there is still outstanding information.

The committee is requesting ongoing and precise reporting on the progress and outcomes of the New Deal.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development recommends the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs keep the committee updated with details of capital spending, including a performance and evaluation mechanism to assure the Legislative Assembly that the New Deal is really working and improving community access to infrastructure.

Community Energy Planner

Municipal and Community Affairs is funding the Arctic Energy Alliance for one community energy planner position to support and assist communities in developing and implementing individual community energy plans. Through its obligations under the Canada-NWT Gas Tax Agreement, MACA has an interest in ensuring that there is technical support to communities to develop these plans.

The committee looks forward to reviewing the community energy plans. If well executed, they should be able to address the significant energy consumption and cost of living issues facing the communities.

These plans should become living documents with appropriate funding attached so they can be implemented and do not sit gathering dust on government shelves.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development recommends that community energy plans be included in the government's Energy Strategy and receive adequate funding for implementation.

Public Works And Services

General Comments

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on September 21, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department Public Works and Services.

The committee considered the department's draft main estimates on January 16 and 17, 2007.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $52 million in operations expense and $8.4 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comment on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 Draft Main Estimates and budget-planning cycle:

Pile Inspection And Repair Program

At present, PWS is maintaining 60 buildings with an age of 30 years or more. Many of the wooden piles supporting GNWT infrastructure are reaching the end of their service life. PWS has established a formal Risk Management and Safety Program to ensure safe occupancy and operation of GNWT building infrastructure.

The Governance and Economic Development committee supports this initiative. The committee does not want to see any injury or harm come to the occupants of these buildings, or expose the GNWT to greater liability. We must make the necessary investment to maintain these buildings as long as possible as there is insufficient funding for replacement in the capital plan.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development recommends the Pile Inspection and Repair Program continue in order to address the building condition and safety issues identified in the building condition reports.

Department Of Transportation

General Comments

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on September 25, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Transportation.

The committee considered the department's draft main estimates on January 16 and 17, 2007.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $88.3 million in operations expense and $47 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comment on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 Draft Main Estimates and budget-planning cycle:

Highway No. 3

After 23 years and $200 million, the committee is disappointed by the poor condition of Highway No. 3 between Yellowknife and Behchoko.

Highway No. 3, in certain places, is more suited to a roller coaster than regular traffic. The department states the roller coaster effect or heaves and dips are a result of melting permafrost in the area. Repairs have had to be made on an ongoing basis. The department has no mechanism to go back and have the repairs made under warranty because the time period has lapsed. A longer warranty would have increased the cost of the road.

Although a considerable amount of federal dollars went into completing Highway No. 3, the committee is concerned continued repairs for Highway No. 3 will drain the budgets of other highways also in much need of repair.

Recommendation

The committee recommends the department supply them with a projection of future repairs and the costs that will be required to make Highway No. 3 safe to drive. The committee would also like a report on all of the challenges encountered in building and repairing Highway No. 3.

Department Of Industry, Tourism And Investment

General Comments

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on September 26, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

The committee considered the department's draft main estimates on the January 16 and 17, 2007.

Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $38.9 million in operations expense and $1.8 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 Draft Main Estimates and budget planning cycle:

Tourism

The committee commends the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment for their work on the Tourism 2010 Plan. The committee further commends them for acknowledging tourism requires a greater investment from this government. The 2010 plan endeavours to increase investment in tourism from $104 million to $140 million by the year 2010.

This goal is very admirable but it does not go far enough when compared to the millions of dollars the government has invested in resource development.

For example, including last year's increase of $400,000, $2.7 million is available for tourism marketing. By comparison, the Yukon spends upwards of $7 million, and Las Vegas alone spends $150 million. The Canadian Tourism Commission only spends $100 million for all of Canada. A recent article in the Globe and Mail stated that more people visit Banff in a summer week than visit all three territories in a year.

Further, there is only $300,000 budgeted for tourism infrastructure. With fierce competition for infrastructure dollars, this number is unlikely to change any time soon. There has also been insufficient funding for transportation projects, such as chipsealing the highway to Fort Smith and the extension of the runway at the Yellowknife Airport, which are also keys to tourism growth.

The tourism industry is under duress. Aurora Tourism is struggling because of increased competition from Alaska and the Yukon, and limits on non-residential hunting of caribou will have a detrimental effect on outfitters. The tourism industry as a whole is affected by the new requirement for American tourists to have passports, the federal government's cancellation of the GST rebate, increasing insurance premiums and labour shortages.

Since the beginning of this Assembly, the Governance and Economic Development committee has been a strong

advocate for a diversified and sustainable economy. The committee supports hunting and trapping not only because they are hallmarks of aboriginal culture, but also because they are activities that identify this territory as unique and distinct from other places. Renewable resources such as agriculture and commercial fishing can take place outside the larger centres in the Territories and, therefore, contribute to smaller local economies. Tourism is also a key element in a diversified economy that supports local economies and can be environmentally friendly.

Recommendation

In order to ensure a diversified economy for the Northwest Territories, the Governance and Economic Development committee recommends increased investment in tourism.

Product Development

During their pre-budget consultations, the committee heard from members of the public who suggested the GNWT should provide more resources for product and infrastructure development and marketing. The Minister of ITI has echoed these sentiments.

The committee discussed the possibility of creating an interpretive bison centre with the Minister. This project would not only be a great tourist attraction, but also a practical solution to some of the issues on a problematic section of Highway No. 3. For instance, the highway between Fort Providence and Yellowknife has some long stretches without any services.

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development would like to thank the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment for their commitment to performing a feasibility study on this project.

Socio-Economic Agreements

The committee was concerned about the lack of support for northern businesses. For instance, over $240 million leaves this territory annually with migrant workers who live in the South and work in the North. The NWT loses revenue in real estate, in municipal and territorial taxes, in goods and services and transfer payments. This hurts northern residents and businesses.

The committee met with the representatives of BHP Billiton, Diavik Diamond Mines and DeBeers to discuss these concerns and was impressed by the lengths to which these companies go to meet the requirements of their socio-economic agreements and to attract workers to the Northwest Territories to work and to raise their families. The mines say they are working very hard to meet the targets of their socio-economic agreements because of growing competition for the limited NWT labour force.

Components of their northern hire policies include retention bonuses, priority training opportunities with northern preferences, scholarship programs and housing assistance for senior employees.

The mines also say they offer assistance to aboriginal suppliers to attain joint venture partnerships and break down large contracts in order to allow smaller northern businesses to compete. They even encourage suppliers to move to the North.

The socio-economic agreements are required of the mines by the GNWT. They stipulate conditions such as targets for training, employment and business opportunities.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development recommends that future resource development companies sign socio-economic agreements similar to those of the mines.

Department Of Environment And Natural Resources

General Comments

The committee met with the Minister and his officials on September 22, 2006, to review the draft business plan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The committee considered the department's draft main estimates on January 16 and 17, 2007. Committee members made note that the department is proposing to spend $57.1 million in operations expense and $2.4 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008.

Committee members offer the following comment on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 Draft Main Estimates and budget-planning cycle:

Waste Management Strategy

From November 1, 2005 to October 31, 2006, over 16 million ready-to-serve containers were collected through a system of community-based depots. ENR reports this means that so far this year, two out of every three containers sold in the NWT do not end up in our landfills. Building on this success, ENR will soon undertake public consultations to identify additional waste types for recovery. Examples might include batteries, electronic waste and/or or plastic grocery bags.

The committee applauds the department for their success but encourages them to go much farther.

As we have suggested in prior reports, the committee believes a program similar to the beverage container recovery should be considered for fuel drums, and that ENR should consider an increase for the return deposit on these barrels in order to encourage the public to collect and return them.

There is also another recycling opportunity for waste tires. Waste tires can threaten not only the environment, but public health as well. Tire fires can contaminate groundwater and surface water and are also virtually impossible to extinguish. Waste tires are also an ideal habitat for the breeding of mosquitoes. For these reasons, the Governance and Economic Development committee supports environmental initiatives that would rid the NWT of this problem. A mobile tire shredder could even travel between communities, turning dangerous waste into a useful commodity.

Finally, the committee knows there were concerns in the past about charging a deposit fee on milk containers but would recommend the containers be considered for recycling again.

The committee is looking to ENR for leadership and innovative solutions to our waste management problems. ENR needs to take even greater actions to encourage businesses and the general public to recycle.

Department Of Executive

The committee met with the Premier on September 28, 2006, to review the draft business plan for the Department of Executive.

The committee noted that the Department of Executive is proposing to spend $13.161 million in operations expense for the fiscal year 2007-2008. This represents a small decrease of $36,000 from last year's main estimates.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2007/2008 Draft Main Estimates and budget-planning cycle:

Joint Boards And Agencies Review Initiative

Early in the life of the 15th Assembly, Cabinet and the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight had agreed to form a working group to review the NWT boards and agencies. As a result of this successful collaboration, a boards and agencies policy was adopted in June 2005. The full implementation of this policy will significantly change the mandates/operations of existing boards, as it will establish a governance framework for board operations, provide criteria for board classification and a process for creating new boards.

In 2005 the Joint Working Group on Boards and Agencies suggested that a boards and agencies unit be established to fulfill the mandate of the initiative by implementing the boards and agencies policy and the governance framework. Cost estimates to establish this function are $300,000 for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that $300,000 for the establishment of a boards and agencies unit will be included in the budget of the Department of Executive in order to fully implement the boards and agencies policy and governance framework as agreed to by the Joint Working Group.

Department Of Aboriginal Affairs And Intergovernmental Relations

The committee met with the Premier on September 28, 2006, to review the draft business plan for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.

Committee members noted that the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations is proposing to spend $7.450 million in operations expense for the fiscal year 2007-2008. This represents a small increase of $122,000, or 1.66 percent, from last year's main estimates entirely due to forced growth for wages and benefits.

Financial Management Board Secretariat

The committee met with the Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board on September 19, 2006, to review the draft business plan for the Financial Management Board Secretariat.

Committee members noted that the Financial Management Board Secretariat is proposing to spend $18.626 million in operations expense for the fiscal year 2007-2008. This represents a slight increase of $343,000 since the main estimates in 2006-2007. The secretariat is also proposing to spend $7.5 million on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008 for the replacement of the government wide financial information system.

The committee offers the following comments:

Growth Of The Public Service

Members have repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the growth of the public service, especially with the recent news that the NWT's population may be decreasing. The creation of new positions that do not provide front-line services is of particular concern.

Members recognize that at this point in the life of the 15th Legislative Assembly, it is too late to conduct a full review of the GNWT workforce. However, we believe that the next government should consider undertaking a zero-based review of GNWT positions early in its mandate.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the government include in its transition document a recommendation that the next government undertake a zero-based review of public service positions early in its mandate.

Funding To Front-Line Organizations

During the 2006 pre-budget consultations, the committee was disappointed to find out that pressing issues for frontline organizations, such as the need for better funding arrangements, improved partnerships and support, have not improved much since last year. Even though the government established new third-party funding criteria to provide guidelines to GNWT departments, little has changed, with inconsistencies persisting and few multi-year funding arrangements in place.

The committee recognizes that funding must be distributed equitably amongst organizations, allowing them increased financial and program stability based on predictable funding arrangements.

Front-line organizations have repeatedly raised concerns regarding insufficient project funds, lack of forced growth funding, lack of funding to provide wage parity, training and adequate supervision and support for staff, inadequate project administration and core funds and delayed receipt of funding from signed contracts and contribution agreements. Furthermore, the lack of multi-year funding results in insecurity and the inability to do longer-range program and operational planning or to participate in policy and program development and consultations.

Government needs to be mindful that volunteer boards with representation from across the NWT govern these front-line organizations. The lack of certainty and security for their commitments to staff, office space and clients wears them out, as does the burden of annual audits, contracts and contribution negotiations. The GNWT should be demonstrating support and good faith towards these volunteers.

While the increase in funding for community justice committees, forced growth allocation to the first tier health and social services sector front-line organizations, and multi-year funding agreements with a few organizations are steps in the right direction, more is needed. There are also concerns about unequal treatment of organizations based on whether they are in a contribution agreement or have a contract arrangement with the government.

The government needs to live up to its commitments to improve the support for front-line organizations, including the full implementation of the third-party accountability framework, the completion of binding government-wide policies and the revision of the Financial Administration Act and regulations. Most importantly, the government needs to fully engage in the Finance Action Working Group that was created through Volunteer NWT to improve coordination between GNWT departments and non-government organizations.

Failure to address these concerns sooner has brought many front-line organizations to a crisis point. It is not acceptable for the government to halt all action now and label this a transition issue for the next government. Proposed revisions to the Financial Administration Act and associated regulations and policies should be ready for the next government to consider by the time this government leaves office.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight recommends that the GNWT continue to work to fully implement the third-party accountability framework, develop required legislation and policies and engage with the Finance Action Working Group to improve coordination between departments and front-line organizations.

Department Of Human Resources

The committee met with the Minister of Human Resources on September 20, 2006, to review the draft business plan for the Department of Human Resources.

The committee noted that the Department of Human Resources is proposing to spend $31.591 million in operations expense in fiscal year 2007-2008. This represents an increase of $2.354 million, or 8.05 percent,

since the 2006-2007 Main Estimates due to increased cost for salaries and benefits, medical travel for GNWT employees, database administration and PeopleSoft licensing.

The Department of Human Resources is also proposing to spend $217,000 on capital projects in fiscal year 2007-2008. This amount will be used to complete the PeopleSoft human resources management system upgrade.

Department Of Finance

The committee met with the Minister of Finance on September 19, 2006, to review the draft business plan for the Department of Finance.

Committee members noted that the department is proposing to spend $11.461 million in operations expenses in fiscal year 2007-2008. This substantial increase of $3.508 million, or 44.11 percent, since the 2006-2007 Main Estimates is mostly -- $3.2 million -- due to the increase of short-term interest expenses beside higher costs for insurance premiums and salaries and benefits.

Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2007-2008 Draft Main Estimates and budget-planning cycle:

Financial Relationship With Canada

The standing committee believes that the NWT has a bright future. However, its ability to use the unfolding opportunities to the benefit of the population will also depend on the GNWT's capacity to make timely investments in infrastructure and people. Therefore, the committee continues to support the Finance Minister in his efforts to secure a fair formula financing arrangement with Canada, and to have the arbitrarily imposed borrowing limit of $300 million increased.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Welcome back to the continuation of the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity to belatedly, but most sincerely, offer my personal best wishes to each and every one of you for a happy and healthy new year. Although we have not met formally for several months, I know that you all continue to work diligently in committees, Cabinet and in your constituencies.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Vince Steen on Saturday, February 3rd, in Inuvik. Mr. Steen was a former Member of this Assembly and esteemed colleague to many of us. I would like to take this opportunity to extend personal condolences and from those of this House to his family and his community. A Member of the Assembly from 1995 to 2003, Vince worked tirelessly for the people of Nunakput, and as a Member of the Executive Council for all residents of the Northwest Territories. Our thoughts during this difficult time are with his family, his wife, Betty Elias, and their children.

At this time, I would like to ask that all Members rise and observe a moment of silence to honour Mr. Steen.

---Moment of Silence

Thank you, colleagues. You may be seated. As we enter this budget session, I would like to acknowledge, on behalf of the Legislative Assembly, the efforts of our standing committees, Cabinet, government and Assembly staff on contributing to our budget development process. I would also like to acknowledge the residents of the Northwest Territories who participated in the pre-budget consultation that took place throughout the North last year. By expressing your views and concerns, you have also aided in this important process.

I look forward to a very productive session, to lively debate on issues that are important to all residents of the Northwest Territories and to discussions that lead to positive, informed decisions. I ask only that you conduct yourself within the rules that you have set down and continue to respect the dignity of the House and all of its Members.

It is now my duty to advise the House that I have received the following message from the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. It reads, "Dear Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise that I recommend to the Legislative Assembly the passage of the Appropriation Act, 2007-2008 and Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2006-2007 during the Fifth Session of the 15th Legislative Assembly. Yours truly, Anthony W. J. Whitford, Commissioner."

Thank you, colleagues. Orders of the day. Ministers' statements. The honourable Deputy Premier, Mr. Roland.

Question is being called. All those in favour? All those opposed? Motion is carried.

---Carried

Bill 13 has had third reading. Third reading of bills.

Colleagues, before we proceed to assent of bills, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of all Members during the last three weeks. It has been a challenging and difficult session in many ways, and I appreciate that Members have carried out their duties with respect for the roles and decorum of this House.

I know, too, that Members are leaving here today and will continue to work diligently in their constituencies, in their committees, and in their Cabinet responsibilities, until we reconvene in February.

I would like to extend the thanks of this House to the many Pages who have assisted in our work, and to their chaperones, supervisors and teachers.

---Applause

We have had the assistance in this session from 825 Yellowknife Elks, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, students from St. Pat's High School in Yellowknife, and from the Deh Cho, Monfwi and Nunakput districts. Thanks all for their help in the House.

---Applause

Our thanks, as well, goes to Ms. Tonia Grannum, a table officer with the Ontario Legislature, who has provided valuable assistance during this sitting. We hope that you have enjoyed your time with us and we extend a warm invitation to visit us again.

---Applause

November 11th is fast approaching and I would ask that you all take time, take the opportunity to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and are continuing to serve in the Canadian Forces, particularly those who are separated from their families during the holiday season.

Lastly, I would like to take this time to wish all Members, staff, and their families, a safe and peaceful holiday season, and my very best wishes for a new year. I look forward to seeing all of you back in this Chamber in February.

Now, Mr. Clerk, would you ascertain if the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Anthony J. Whitford, is prepared to enter the Chamber to assent to bills.