Capital budget review looms as N.W.T. legislature back in session

N.W.T.MLAs return to their seats in the legislature today after the summer break. On the agenda is the proposed budget for buildings, roads and other infrastructure. Areport on government transparency is also expected.

If this capital budget is similar to the last, MLAs will be deciding how to spend about $320 million. According to the government, $162 million is already needed for projects underway, such asthe new Stanton Territorial Hospital and theInuvik to Tuktoyaktuk highway.

As well, acommittee of MLAs,including the Minister Responsible for Transparency, is expected to table a reportwith recommendations on opening up more meetings of the legislature's standing committees. The meetings are, by default, closed to the public.

Cabinet is also looking for support to add an improvementfeeat the Yellowknife airport. The government estimates the feecould add about $29to the cost of an airline ticket for flightsheading south out of Yellowknife. The government is hoping to implement the feein February.

The sitting runs until Nov. 3.