Mr. Minister.

Mr. Speaker, it was just a few weeks ago that I made the commitment in this Legislature to do what I could to advance this project. That was, of course, a recommendation of the standing committee on finance, which this government and this department is taking very seriously. I would have to tell the Member that today I cannot provide any concrete information about this project, but I can tell him that the department has several very good and live possibilities for ways in which, through down-sizing or other reallocations within the departmental budget, moneys can be diverted to advancing this project as the committee recommended.

I do wish to point out that some survey work is required, which I am told will happen as soon as break-up occurs and as soon as we can get on the land and look at the Wolf Creek and the best place for putting in an intake. That will happen early in the summer. I will pursue that with diligence, and I think that perhaps by the time we next sit, I should have some very solid information for the honourable Member about our ability to complete that project this summer, and I am optimistic about that. Thank you.

Oral questions. Ms. Mike.

Mr. Ningark.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will take the question as notice and answer later on.

Question has been taken as notice. Oral questions, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Safety and Public Services about the lotteries policy that regulates the licensing of bingo operations for charitable purposes. It is my understanding that presently the government will only provide bingo licences for organizations considered as registered charities, In some circumstances, though, the charitable organizations have found it best to establish themselves as corporations without share capital. The profits do not go to the directors of the corporation but

are reinvested to promote social and cultural objectives within the community.

The Uqqurmiut centre for arts and crafts in Pangnirtung is a good example of this sort of community venture. Is the Minister willing to re-evaluate eligibility requirements for the issuance of licences for bingos?

Mr. Patterson.

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Under the general rules for lotteries in the lotteries information booklet, it states that licences can be issued for purposes beneficial to the community, including the promotion of cultural activities or the teaching of arts and crafts. Is the Minister aware that organizations like the Uqqurmiut Inuit Artists' Association carry out those activities but may fall outside the narrow definition of charitable organizations under the legislation?

Mr. Patterson.

Well, I am aware now if I was not before, Mr. Speaker. I certainly heard the Member's submissions on that. I should note that during the previous year a lottery review was conducted which accepted input from a number of bodies that were concerned about the lottery regulations. That review could well result in changes to the regulations and could address the point that the honourable Member has raised. So I will take into account his advice and concern, and also the public input that was sought last year, and attempt to address the issue that has been brought to my attention today. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is obviously an issue that affects the group in Pangnirtung. Would the Minister be willing to direct his officials involved with the licensing of bingos to travel to Pangnirtung and meet with the representatives of the community and the artists' association to explore the possible avenues for reconciling the differences and for them to get future bingo licences?

Mr. Patterson.

Well, of course, Mr. Speaker, I would want to consult with the MLA for that community before making such an undertaking. But if that is a request that is coming from the community, I certainly would be open to have someone meet with the particular association.

I will point out that lottery licensing responsibility has been delegated to regional directors in the various regions, although there are people in headquarters responsible. So it might be possible to avoid sending someone all the way from

Yellowknife to meet with the group. It may be possible to have their concern dealt with within the region. At any rate, Mr. Speaker, I will certainly look at following up on that request in consultation with the MLA for that community.

Oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Health. I have recently acquired a copy of the transcript of the CBC News this morning, Mackenzie Morning, done by the Minister of Health this morning with one of the reporters. It brings some concern to me, not only as an MLA but as a woman in the Territories. It is in regard to the issue of abortion. Can the Minister advise this House whether or not abortions that are being performed at the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital are following the same procedures that are used in other parts of the country? Are the same medical procedures being used?

Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Can the Minister indicate to me, where?