Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question by Mr. Arngna'naaq on December 1 regarding financial assistance to the family of the missing hunter from Arviat.
I am advised, Mr. Speaker, that the official search for Mr. Napayok is over, although family and friends are continuing the private search.
The Government of the Northwest Territories has been working with hamlet officials, the RCMP and the military to ensure the effective use of the resources of all agencies involved in the search. The regional direction and officials of MACA are monitoring search activities and providing what advice and assistance is necessary to the local search committee coordinators.
I have asked the regional direction in the Keewatin region to review all search-related expenditures to determine if some of the costs incurred by the family are eligible for reimbursement under government policy.
I understand that private donations raised may be sufficient to cover all these costs, but we will review this situation when the final costs are determined. We expect that this determination will be made within the next ten days.
I have two other returns, Mr. Speaker.