Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Sue Enge, who works at the Legislative Assembly. Sue is also the president of the Native Communications Society.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we go through this future budget exercise over the next few weeks, I would implore all Members of this House to have another look at the need for this business incentive policy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to briefly make reference to the Budget Address. I note that this document is not complete, as there is no postal code on the address. I will make reference to that later in the week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to demonstrate the need for balance, the need to criticize the government when it is warranted. With that right, there also comes the obligation to praise and recognize the government when they take tough stands and do what is right.

One bouquet of roses should be delivered to the present government for a good sound decision. I refer to the decision made by the Department of Public Works and Services, in which they awarded the fuel resupply contract of the Western Arctic to Imperial Oil's refinery in Alberta. This was a good sound decision made on sound financial principles.

I can understand and sympathize with the employees of the Norman Wells refinery that could potentially lose their jobs as a result of the awarding of this contract. It is also my understanding that the Norman Wells refinery is inefficient and slated for shutdown. If you 'can't compete, you have to

shut down. The reality of life is if you can't supply a product at a price your customers can afford, you are going to go out of business.

I have to praise the government for making the decision on a financial basis in conjunction with the welfare of employees who may have to find other work. I would encourage this government to continue along the same lines of procuring goods and services.

Along those lines, I would refer to comments made in this House yesterday where it was stated that of a random selection of 87 purchases made by the GNWT between April 1993 and February 1994, 50 per cent of them were less expensive in the Northwest Territories than their southern competitor. This says to me that we have, after 20 years of government financial support through the business incentive policy, a mature, competitive and private sector where the business incentive policy, at least as it now stands, is unnecessary. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to finish my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, the Honourable John Todd. In this House yesterday, the Minister stated in a response to a question asked by Mr. Ootes, "I want to say, in all fairness to my colleague, that I am moving forward on this important initiative, and I intend, unless there is some major reason not to, to proceed with the transfer." My question to the Minister is: Would the Minister consider elected leaders of the NWT Federation of Labour, the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce the NWT Construction Association, the NWT Chamber of Mines, NWT Steelworkers Area Council, NWT Chamber of Commerce, the Union of Northern Workers, NWT Association of Municipalities and CAW Local 2304 requesting formal input and information into restructuring of an organization which, at the end of the day, belongs to the employers and employees of the NWT, to be a major reason for the Minister to set a formal committee that could receive input into this proposed transfer?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to recognize Lydia Bardak from Yellowknife. Also in the gallery are some family members: my sister-in-law, Renee Stevens from Huntsville; sister-in-law, Helen Zimmerman from Palm Springs; and, brother-in-law, Frank Stevens from Vancouver. I was informed my wife is in the gallery too, but I don't see her now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since our election in mid-October, we, at the Legislative Assembly, have been inundated with business plans, deficit reduction options and cost-cutting measures. The pace has been hurried and has not always provided an opportunity for consultation or input. A prime example of this is the proposed transfer of occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board. There has been no consultation or input on this transfer from the parties most involved; no consultation with the chamber of mines, the chamber of commerce or workers in industry.

Mr. Speaker, this move will have a major impact on a number of companies currently operating in the NWT, as well as those companies thinking of setting up shop in the Territories. We talk of bolstering investment in the Northwest Territories, investment which will undoubtedly come from business and, at the same time, we're increasing the cost of doing business. This does not make sense.

The Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, Mr. Todd, has identified and I believe stated in this House that moving occupational health and safety to the Workers' Compensation Board will bring us more in line with other Canadian jurisdictions. This simply is not the case, Mr. Speaker. A few quick telephone calls identified that, in fact, only four of the other 11 jurisdictions have combined the two offices. The Minister of Finance has also stated that these plans of which this transfer is part have been developed in consultation with the standing committees. My honourable colleague from Yellowknife Centre pointed out yesterday in this House that the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Development had recommended that the GNWT not proceed with the proposed transfer until further information, rationalization and justification had been provided back to the committee. This information has not yet found its way to committee Members.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the NWT Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case in which the WCB has named the mine safety inspector in a law suit. Given all these factors, Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to understand why the government is pressing forward in this issue. I would strongly urge the government and the standing committees to revisit this option. The government must take the necessary steps and provide the required information so that a decision on the proposed transfer can be made in a true and consensus fashion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could we get assurances from the Minister that no further consideration of this transfer continue, pending the results of a court case which is presently taking place between WCB and the mine inspection office?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. Does a proposal of the transfer of occupational health and safety also include the office of the mine safety section?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister was not aware until March 15th that these funds were not coming back to the government, my question is how much does the lack of these funds not coming back to GNWT coffers alter his budget projections.