Mr. Speaker, a lot of the communication on issues would be done on a case-by-case basis. As we have a new program or a new initiative brought to Cabinet, then part of the expectation is that a communications strategy is outlined at the same time. Mr. Speaker, we know that we have 16 positions whose jobs are dedicated primarily to communications. There may be ways we can look at improving the coordination and efficiency of our communications people in the department, but that’s something we will develop as we move along over the next few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Chairman, a lot of the services are already services that are engaged in the department. Very often the kinds of services we require in the ministry are based on particular expertise that the individual might have. In this case, we are proposing to continue on with the same companies or individuals, that have been used in the past. If there is a need for additional or other services, then I want to look at putting those through a regular process. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, certainly no more than one chief negotiator, no more than one assistant negotiator, and sometimes those two positions are combined and just one of those two will travel. Typically not more than one legal counsel from Justice. The other two I had mentioned, lands negotiator and implementation negotiator, there might be one of them travelling. As I said, not typically, but on occasion depending on the topic and items being discussed.

I would like to provide an overview of the work of the Department of Executive and the department’s main estimates for 2004-05.

The Executive supports the work of Cabinet and its committees. It provides overall direction, management and coordination for all departments. Executive staff provide advice on legislation, policy, communications, corporate identity and protocol, intergovernmental relations and strategic planning, including our participation in the new Council of the Federation and regular First Ministers meetings; women’s issues, and corporate human resources services aimed at...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the past year or so, the Power Corporation has done a number of things to help with the cost of power. First of all, they’ve done up to 500 audits and they would be very pleased to go in, if they haven’t done it already, and do audits of power usage by customers in communities like Colville Lake to help them come up with ideas on how to cut down the power. We would also be willing to take the same message to the Energy Alliance. The Department of RWED also has some capacity to help people to find ways to cut down on their power. Mr. Speaker, in the short term, we...

Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned earlier, $485,000 is for contract services. Again, as I mentioned, this is for costing, modelling of self-government/devolution-related issues; strategic advice with regard to aboriginal issues; and so on. There are a number of contractual obligations or requirements that we have. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, travel and transportation for staff and board members, $30,000; materials and supplies, office supplies, publications, printing, minor equipment, $7,000; purchased services, telecommunications, delivery and courier, advertising, meeting expenses, $10,000; contract services, this covers the chairman’s salary, the consulting services for rate review activities, equipment leases, $145,000; and fees and payments, membership in the Arctic Alliance, for $12,500, and legal and miscellaneous registration fees of $12,500; for a total of $25,000 in fees and payments. Thank you, Mr...

Mr. Chairman, no, everyone doesn’t travel as a team to every negotiation. We have a number of negotiations such as self-government, land and resources devolution, going on at any one time. People are assigned to particular teams. It would only be those people who are involved from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in that particular set of negotiations or meeting who would travel to that one.

Mr. Chairman, in addition to our own staff from MAA travelling, we do at times pay for the cost of lawyers from Justice to travel for specific purposes that are under discussion or negotiation. We do not...

Mr. Chairman, yes, I will undertake to provide regular status reports on the activities of the forum. As I say, it does report both to us and to the Aboriginal Summit, so I will have to have their concurrence with it as well. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct that not nearly as much technical work has been done on the Bear River potential. We have certainly had good discussions with Imperial as the leading partner in the pipeline project. We know that they are interested. Again, as in any business deal, price is important to them. We know that they are interested in initially about 90 megawatts of power. That is equivalent to the amount of power the Power Corporation sells to all customers in the Territories right now. So it would double the business the Power Corporation does, which is necessary to get over...