Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Not specifically. I did not realize there was a problem dealing with the administration of anesthetics.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, they have done SO.

Mr. Speaker, I realize that a lot has happened in two days' time. This was brought to my attention yesterday morning. It was about 8:30 when I first heard this on the news, and like everyone else, I was shocked by the story that I heard about the woman in lqaluit. At the earliest opportunity, which was about half an hour after I heard this, I directed the deputy minister to look into the matter, I have not been able to ascertain whether or not, at this point in time, there was any change in procedures or anything different than would normally be conducted.

Therefore I was not able to have anybody issue any specific instructions, other than to be assured that medication to relieve pain, either through general anesthetic or partial anesthetic or else through intravenous or pills to assist in the suppression of pain, prior to and after the procedure, was available. I was assured that this was part of it, and I have not issued any other instructions dealing with medication because I am assured that this is available, at the doctor's discretion. However, I learned subsequently from the news stories that there may be some discrepancies between what one comment is and what another is and that is why I have asked the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital Board to conduct this review to assure the public, that in fact, people are receiving quality treatment for this very traumatic procedure.

Mr. Speaker, since I have been the Minister I have not received one complaint. No complaints have been brought to my attention through the department, dealing with the procedures of abortion at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. There have been three complaints raised about Stanton over the past two years, of which one was in writing and two were oral, and I have been advised that they have all been dealt with. There is a procedure that is in place for directing concerns about physicians and medical treatment to the department, and to my knowledge that procedure has not bee n used by the Status of Women or any other persons.

I stand here without any facts to present to the House about the 14 complaints. I have not heard one name. I have asked about it. I have not received anything that will indicate to me that there have been complaints, other than what I heard on the CBC, and that dealt specifically with one individual. I have not received one name. The Status of Women have never come forward to me to bring this to my attention over the months that I have been in office and, Mr. Speaker, I am very accessible.