Handley was in Ottawa last week attending meetings with his provincial counterparts and federal Finance Minister John Manley. He said Roy Romanow's report on health care was the topic on most ministers' minds.

But more importantly, what was on their minds is whether or not the federal government can deliver on the recommended $15 billion over four years that Romanow said is needed to maintain the health care system.

"The finance minister (Manley) indicated that there will be more investment into the health-care system," said Handley. "He wasn't specific on amounts... But every indication is there's going to be increased investment in health-care in the new budget."

Although he doubts the federal government is prepared to shell out the entire amount recommended in the Romanow report, Handley said talks with the minister were encouraging. He thinks Ottawa will offer approximately $20 million in additional health-care dollars next year for the NWT.

The word in Ottawa is that the government is ready to spend $2 billion next year on health-care nationwide, of which one per cent is earmarked for the NWT.

Nonetheless, obstacles still remain. The main problem, said Handley, is the federal bureaucracy's ignorance of the North. While the health care picture may be improving, Handley said bureaucrats in Manley's department are not keen on offering more infrastructure dollars.

"Unfortunately his (Manley's) bureaucrats are not supportive," said Handley.