Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That seems to be the best option at this point, to use conibear 1-10 traps for those trappers. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In fact, that was a recommendation that was just made by trappers out of Arctic Red River that you use that particular product. I wonder if the honourable Member could indicate to me and to this House during this session, whether he is going to make those orders so the replacement program can continue?

Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will direct my department to do whatever is the best method and best trap to use as a replacement for the quick kill traps. We will act on this as soon as possible. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Pudluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In addition to one of my fellow M.L.A.s questions to the Minister of Renewable Resources. The replacement traps are quite big in size and strong. The old traps that were being used for foxes used to accidentally trap little polar bear cubs. It is apparent those new traps that are being put into place, I am very sure there will be some polar bear cubs being trapped and breaking their legs. Would that be taken off the quota of that particular community because this polar bear would have to be killed when it gets a broken leg from the trap?

Mr. Allooloo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is a good question that was raised. At this point the High Arctic people would have a polar bear plan for the communities in agreement with the communities. Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord, Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet have an agreement in place regarding polar bears. If there was to be a polar bear caught out of season, especially when the polar bear was being a nuisance, the community would be compensated for that particular bear. I expect if there was to be a polar bear cub trapped accidentally, this community would be compensated for this bear that was accidentally harvested. I cannot say for sure today. If this polar bear that was harvested accidentally would be taken off the quota. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Health and pertaining to interpreting staff at the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. Mr. Speaker, diagnostic assessment by a physician is only a preliminary process in the medical field. Communication between a physician and a patient is a most essential part of the process. Mr. Speaker, partial understanding and partial treatment, the consequences are you require more visitation by the patient to a doctor, more costly to the government. My question, Mr. Speaker, is that from time to time people from my communities, Pelly Bay, Gjoa Haven and Spence Bay, complain that the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital does not have a person who speaks and understands Natilikmiot dialect. I wonder if the Minister would look into this matter seriously and get back to the communities? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Speaker, as I understand it the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital presently has an interpreter who speaks the Natilikmiot dialect. As far as I know, Mr. Speaker, this issue of concern is not a problem for patients from the Member's constituency at this point in time. Thank you.

Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. About two weeks ago I was visiting Gjoa Haven and Spence Bay. I was approached by people who have utilized the medical utility. They complained, only recently, that the hospital did not provide an interpreter that speaks the Natilikmiot dialect. I would like to ask the Minister if he would provide me with the name of that person who interprets and translates at the hospital? Thank you.

Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I would be glad to do so, and I would also ask the honourable

Member if he could assist me by giving me some details about the nature of the concerns from Gjoa Haven. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Government Leader. I would like to acknowledge the support that the honourable colleague for Baffin Central provided last Friday to the response that I received from the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs regarding an official apology from the Government of Canada regarding operation Nordic Reliance.

The honourable Members will recall that this involved an incident in which several armed forces personnel shot caribou in the Coppermine area without permits and reportedly with firearms and ammunition that should have been used only for military purposes.

This is a grave concern, Mr. Speaker, one that has demonstrated a lack of respect for aboriginal northerners on a way of life and a special spiritual relationship with the animals that they sustained for centuries. Can the Premier advise the House as to what action she has taken since Friday to request an official apology from the Government of Canada and the appropriate miliary authorities with Princess Patricia's Light Infantry Regiment in Winnipeg?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Speaker, I instructed that a strong letter be drafted and ready for my signature. The draft came back and it was not satisfactory. It has been sent back to get more critical wording in and I will make sure that letter is ready tomorrow for sending. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral Questions. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To Madam Premier. Recognizing the significance of this issue for people of the Northwest Territories, I was dismayed at the sort of response I received when I asked the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs whether he has received an official apology. He stated, "I will check my mail and get back to the Members", and I think he did check until 9:30 on Friday night. That was good.

---Laughter

Will the Premier meet immediately with her Cabinet and direct them to treat matters in this House with the seriousness and respect that they deserve?