Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do believe the question is misleading. We have given every consideration to the northern manufacturers under the AMD. It is a requirement of this government and this department to adhere to those policies. We have followed those guidelines very closely. I would like to inform the Member that there is nothing that was done to contravene those policies. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too, on behalf of the MLA for Sahtu, and being a former resident of Inuvik, would like to recognize a privileged guest here this afternoon, Cece McCauley. Welcome.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is indeed a pleasure to follow up to my colleague for Inuvik Boot Lake. I wish to extend my appreciation and formally recognize a number of women volunteers across the Northwest Territories who have spent countless volunteer hours every week serving as Girl Guide Leaders. These individuals serve as guide leaders for Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders.

Throughout the North, young girls and women are once again preparing for summer camp experiences, which marks the end of the guiding year for members of the NWT Girl Guide movement. Membership across the Northwest Territories includes almost 1,000 girls and women ranging from the age of 5 years old to adults. There are active guiding units in 14 communities throughout the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Girl Guides in the NWT are fortunate to have a corps of dedicated volunteers who ensure that all girls take part in healthy, educational and fun activities. I am honoured to recognize a number of women volunteers from the town of Inuvik: Juanita Bourque, who is the district commissioner; Mary Beckett, who is treasurer; Lillian Hvatum, a Brownies leader; VaI Robertson, a Brownies Leader; Greta Sittichinli, a Brownies leader; and Sandy Nikiforuk, a Sparks leader. I wish to thank each of them for all the time and effort they personally committed to make Girl Guides a success in the town of lnuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not see us giving them any special preference, although when we talk about marketing northern products into the communities, I feel it will be part of our marketing strategy, allowing the communities to evaluate those products as they come on the market and see if it conforms to their specific community needs. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thought I had already confirmed my answer. It will be put under consideration and be part of the conventional tendering process. I have received the necessary information. We feel we can do that because they do qualify under the BIP policy and also the IMD. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have evaluated the tendering process as it applies to this particular product. Again, we see it being treated no differently than the normal, conventional tendering process. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to advise the Member for Great Slave that Energy Wall requested we consider their product, which was approved by the CMHC, but at this time, Mr. Speaker, we only consider it for block-funded communities, as well as EPAD clients, would qualify under the home ownership programs.

Mr. Speaker, there is more consideration given to this new concept, which we are presently evaluating. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the past couple of months I have had the privilege to meet and talk to a number of our youth across the Northwest Territories.

In May, I had the opportunity to formally recognize four youth at a formal dinner jointly hosted by the Native Women's Youth Association, the NWT Council of Friendship Centres and the GNWT. This special event was held here in the Great Hall in conjunction with International Youth Week. The youth who were recognized this year include Jennifer Duncan from ColviIle Lake, Steven Raddi from lnuvik, Chelsea Simpson from Hay River, and Lisa Turner from Yellowknife. These four individuals all have displayed strong leadership and have served as excellent role models for the youth of the Northwest Territories. It is dedicated young people like these who will help move the North towards a better tomorrow.

On May 31, 2000, I was pleased to be invited as the keynote speaker for the official opening of the 2000 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. This was an excellent opportunity to pass on our message to over 1000 youth from across the North. An event such as this provides an excellent opportunity for youth of all ages to share their experiences with their peers from other parts of the North and also allows them to raise the level of their own self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.

I accepted an invitation from Samuel Hearne Secondary School in my hometown of Inuvik, to give a keynote address to the 2000 graduating class. I also traveled to Fort Resolution along with Steven Nitah, the MLA for Tu Nedhe, and spoke to the Deninoo School graduating class. Both of these special events provided an excellent opportunity for me to congratulate these students and to provide encouragement to continue their lifelong journey and inform them that the future holds so much potential for all youth and new graduates of today.

On May 29, 2000, the Students Against Drinking and Driving group provided an update to the Minister responsible for Transportation and his officials and myself. Information was provided on the organization's fundraising efforts and to also provide an update on the planning for the Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving Conference, which will be held in Yellowknife in March 2001. The students provided a very impressive presentation and demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment to this event. I was very pleased to see these youth contributing to bring awareness to this serious problem, not only within the NWT, but also at the national level.

Next weekend, the Lutselk'e Dene Band will be hosting an Akaitcho Territory Youth Camp. This youth conference's primary purpose is to bring youth from the Akaitcho Territory together to discuss common concerns and share ideas on how community and regional organizations could better support youth to maintain healthy communities. This youth conference will be conducted in an environment which allows for traditional activities, as well as a sharing of wisdom from respected elders from the Akaitcho Territory.

Over the summer, I plan to attend a youth conference in Hay River, and I am looking forward to hearing the views of our youth in the Northwest Territories. As leaders, we must remind ourselves the important role that youth play in assisting us in designing the future of the Northwest Territories. Youth are our future. As a responsible government, we have to ensure that we continue to provide opportunities to our young people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning I would like to recognize Sharon Greenland, my constituency assistant from Inuvik Twin Lakes, accompanied by Mr. Tom Williams, my executive assistant. Welcome to the gallery.

-- Applause