Mr. Speaker, as you know a board of inquiry has been established under the Medical Profession Act, to examine the primary issues regarding medical services at the Fort Smith Health Centre.

It was my contention that if the inquiry was unable to deal with other matters of concern to Members of this House, then a further inquiry could be considered.

Members, however, want a public inquiry established under the Public Inquiries Act to examine issues relating to the provision of services at the Fort Smith Health Centre.

As a result, the government will establish such an inquiry and Members will be asked to approve an initial supplementary appropriation of $500,000 to pay for its cost. The cost of a public inquiry cannot be covered from without our existing budget.

Mr. Speaker, the inquiry will begin as soon as the necessary arrangements, including financing, can be made. I will be tabling the inquiry's terms of reference later today. Thank you.