Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is in response to Question O268-12(2), asked by Mr. Pudlat on March 5, 1992. There are currently eight economic development officers serving 14 Baffin communities, of which three positions are serving the Baffin South riding. The department has an EDO stationed in Cape Dorset, and an officer serving Lake Harbour from Iqaluit.

The department has also entered into a contract with the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq to hire a community business development officer. This officer will work for the hamlet on economic development projects and issues. Hiring for the Sanikiluaq community business development officer is under way. Sanikiluaq will participate in the hiring process.