The western caucus has tentatively scheduled the western territories' first election for the fall of 1999.

Nunavut leaders are anticipating an election about six months earlier than that, in February. The eastern territory's first budget will be developed by deputy ministers who the interim commissioner's office will likely start naming next week.

For western MLAs the budget session will also include a call for the government to acknowledge the pressures falling gold prices, mine closures and downsizing have had on the communities.

"These are part of the economic foundation of the west and we'll probably collectively address those issues," said ordinary members caucus chairman and Yellowknife Centre MLA Jake Ootes.

Ordinary members have been reviewing the plans from which the budget was drawn since July, but have yet to see the budget book, said Ootes.

"We've dealt with each department's business plans. That does not mean the government has to follow the recommendations of the committee," he said.

The assembly will also be discussing the now- vintage Auditor General's report on government finances for the fiscal year 1995-96.

Though the budget process began long ago, the public will get its first glimpse as finance minister John Todd gives his budget address at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Media types get an early glimpse of the budget, starting at 10:30 a.m. At noon they have a chance to question Todd and finance officials on its contents.

The budget session, the most gruelling of each year, is expected to run until the end of February.