Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One of the recommendations on the Northern Economy Report was about the assignment of development officers in the communities. The previous Assembly approved a motion that the department

commence providing funding in 1991-92 to communities to hire development officers as outlined in the Special Committee on the Northern Economy Report.

The committee is pleased, I repeat pleased, that a pilot project involving two communities is under way, and there is active negotiations with several other communities. The Minister indicated that when an area economic development officer leave, the community is given the first opportunity to take over this position, and that he is open to other suggestions for committees that wish to take over these responsibilities.