Mr. Chairman, I had wanted to speak to the motion that the Member for Thebacha has just finished withdrawing.

My question to the Minister is this, is ED&T trying to enhance the economy of the NWT or are they trying to enhance the economies of Newfoundland and northern Ontario?

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During our last sitting in April when we were dealing with the budget of the Department of Renewable Resources, the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq passed around sealskin prototype products with Minnguq sewing group labels on them. My question is for the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism because this Broughton Island sewing group is funded through ED&T. It is my understanding that the sealskins of these products are from Newfoundland and were manufactured somewhere in northern Ontario.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Whether the bill passes or not, we must keep in mind that each step on this journey brings us all closer to making our homes the safe havens they are meant to be, and reminds us that in our families we find sanctuary. Qujannamiik.

--- Applause

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak today about the zero tolerance declaration adopted by this House a little more than a year ago. I have the feeling that there is a lack of understanding about the principle of zero tolerance, particularly in Nunavut. Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, some clarification is needed to remind our constituents and ourselves just what the focus of this philosophy is.

In February 1994, we adopted the declaration of zero tolerance for violence that occurs in the lives of too many northerners. Family violence, particularly spousal and child abuse, can be both physical and psychological and it leaves a victim scarred both physically and emotionally. It is sad that much of the time, we only hear about the violence in the homes in our community when something else occurs that brings it to our attention. Often that something else has to do with alcohol. Then the use or abuse of alcohol is mistakenly seen as the cause of violence, rather than a symptom of deeper sickness. In many cases, we are shocked to discover that the abuse has been going on for years.

Mr. Speaker, our greatest enemy in the fight against family Violence is silence. In order to stop the cycle of violence, existing attitudes must change. I quote from the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi when he addressed this issue on February 10, 1994: 'The elimination of family violence requires a wide range of actions but, at the end of the day, any family violence requires changing our attitudes which allow it to continue. We must challenge our old attitudes, values and behaviours today."

As the chosen representatives of our people, Members of the Assembly decided to adopt the declaration of zero tolerance for violence and encouraged other organizations and leaders in all communities to adopt similar declarations. It is true, Mr. Speaker, that we have many problems in the north today, but none are more damaging than violence and abuse in the home. Adopting and living up to the principle of zero tolerance for violence in our lives is a crucial first step but it is said, Mr. Speaker, that the longest journey begins with a single step.

Later this session, another step may be taken on this journey as Members debate a bill that will put in legislation what has, until now, been a parliamentary convention: that violent offences will result in expulsion from this Assembly. Whether the bill passes or not...

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Auditor General notes that "the government's March 31st net cash balance has been negative for three of the last four years. To cover this negative balance, the government needs to borrow." Essentially, expenditures are increasing at a greater rate than revenues. In the last four years, the accumulated shortfalls have decreased the government's surplus by 62.8 per cent. It is anticipated that, if the decline is not halted, the government will face increased borrowing and interest costs.

It is important to monitor the cash/borrowing positions throughout the year. In last year's Public Accounts committee hearings on the Report of the Auditor General for 1992/93, the Department of Finance presented a forecast for 1994-95 which showed a deterioration of the cash position throughout the year.

At the public hearings in May 1995, the committee again requested an update of the present cash balance and the new forecast for 1995-96. The committee then discussed the government's cash position with the deputy minister of Finance, who provided an overview of the forecast. The cash and surplus positions are deteriorating further and the 1995-96 forecast indicates that cash shortfalls will force the government into short-term borrowing on a sustained basis as early as July 1995. (Translation ends)

As a result, and based on current interest rates, the accumulated interest on borrowing by year end could be as much as $2.3 million. This estimate is subject to significant change depending on interest rate.

The deputy minister of Finance maintains that for the time being, it is to the government's benefit to lend its surplus to municipalities, for example, because interest earned from cash on hand reduces the grant from Canada. This is discussed in more detail in connection with the municipal lending practices.

The committee's main concern is that current estimates indicate a cash shortfall of almost $120 million at year end. This is significant because the borrowing limit established by the recently amended Loan Authorization Act is $100 million. It appears that the government may soon be in a position to request additional authorization from the Legislative Assembly. The committee is also concerned that it may also be necessary to address the $400 million limit on accumulated borrowing set by federal Order-in-Council, as that total currently stands at about $300 million.

The standing committee has taken on an enhanced "watch-dog" role as discussed in the 1994 public hearings on the Auditor General's 1992-93 report. Therefore, given the crucial nature of the information to Legislative Assembly decision-making, the committee will be requesting monthly cash balance statements from the deputy minister of Finance. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask Mr. Allooloo to continue. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not every municipal government is a member of the NWTAM. I would like to know what kind of information has been provided to the municipalities on the review of the legislation? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also in his Minister's statement, he informed this House that the municipalities would be asked for input into the review of the legislation. What kind of information have they been provided so that they can help or provide their input into the review of this legislation?