This is a return to a question asked by Mrs. Marie-Jewell on March 24th. I wish to correct some information I provided in replying to questions from the Member on March 24, 1992. For operational reasons the municipal planning engineer position is being transferred, along with the incumbent, effective May 4, 1992. As this position serves the entire Fort Smith Region, including the Deh Cho, North Slave and Fort Smith areas, we are confident that the same level of service will be maintained, and indeed improved, throughout the region. The honourable Member may be assured that as usual the department will monitor the delivery of municipal engineering programs in a manner consistent with other municipal assistance programs throughout the region. We have always been prepared to reallocate staff resources to improve program effectiveness.

The department intends to place a technical officer position on an interim basis in the Fort Smith office, similar to the positions in the Deh Cho and North Slave area offices. Under this arrangement the continuity of services in the Fort Smith area will be ensured.