I think that the Member's comments were what we should do. The on-going proposal to do the renovations are still there, however, I think the Member can be involved. We can evaluate what would be done to the unit, look at the needs, requirements and redirection of space because it is presently in the design stage. We have to have a closer relationship with the Member to make sure we are doing the right thing. I know the Member made a statement that the $952,000 had been wiped out, but it still exists, it is just down the line.

Thank you. Mr. Gargan.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate that something is designated down the line for Providence. My point is that we still have other communities in the north that probably need to replace health centres. We have a good facility in Province and I am not complaining about that. We have already said in this House that we are treating every community and every region fairly. I appreciate that there is capital allocation for future anticipated expenditures, but if other communities need it, they should be on the priority list, including Kakisa.

Thank you. General comments. Mr. Zoe.

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, as the Member can appreciate, sometimes it is difficult to maintain a stable five-year plan and be sure that as it proceeds it will stay there. There are a lot of different patterns of where people go and where people stay. We cannot anticipate this. I know there was a multi-year plan which was in place for some time, and included some projections on what you would need and when. For the particular community which the Member is concerned about, in that multi-year projection, it was in 1999.

Mahsi. Mr. Zoe.

Thank you kindly, Mr. Zoe. Would the honourable Minister like to respond?

Mr. Chairman, I think the Member was making a statement. The board does not exist and you are asking me to presume that a board would do that, and I cannot. All I can say to the honourable Member is that if he believes that a board would make a difference, then yes I have to agree with him.

Thank you. We are on the capital projects. General comments. Fort Smith, total region $125,000. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Inuvik, total region $518,000. Agreed? Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Chairman, I know that the standing committee has introduced a motion indicating that the finances for the planning of a new hospital should be considered. I want to ask the Minister if she is knows whether this particular matter has ever been discussed by the Inuvik Health Board, or even suggested in terms of discussing the financing which was agreed to by the federal government? Was it ever on the agenda at any time?

Thank you. Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, I do not go to all the hospital board meetings and when I was asked to appear as the previous Minister of Health, it was not an issue that was brought up for discussion, although it is very clear that this allocation is out there and earmarked. I know there is a motion. I cannot answer that clearly. We can get the answer to it. I know that on a number of occasions it was addressed even in discussions with Iqaluit. Where does the money go? Does it sit in a special pocket or does it go back into general revenue? I have asked the question several times and my understanding is that it is earmarked. Deciding whether it is put into a separate pot or not is not a matter of it not being designated at a certain time for that particular facility. I would have to get back to the Member with a more detailed response. I know that everyone is aware that those allocations were there.

Thank you. Inuvik. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Could the Minister indicate to me if the department has ever explained to the health board that money had been originally allocated to the Inuvik region for a new hospital? In other words, were they told upon transfer that the capital budget of the federal government did indicate $13 million financing for a hospital in 1989? Were they told this?

Madam Premier.

Mr. Chairman, I cannot specifically say that, but I know that a number of members of the Inuvik Regional Health Board know about it, because they have asked me about it. I cannot clearly say whether there was discussion on that. Perhaps I can ask Dr. Kinloch as an official of the department, whether there was a discussion and to what extent that knowledge exists within the health board.

Dr. Kinloch.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am not aware that the matter has been discussed at a board meeting. I do know that the chief executive officer of the Inuvik Regional Health Board is aware of the arrangements which exist for the capital of a new hospital.

Thank you. Inuvik. Mr. Nerysoo.