Item 5, oral questions. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, in respect to that particular board, I believe it had developed a fairly respective and cohesive membership. I know the membership even included our Deputy Commissioner, the Honourable Helen Maksagak. However, I understand that several appointments have been allowed to lapse by the previous Minister. Will the Minister assure the House she will be making appointments to bring the board up to its full strength before the end of the current fiscal year? Thank you.

Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will do that.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question will be for the Minister of Renewable Resources. The Minister heard me express my concerns about the fur harvest this year. He also notes this is the first year of the change over to quick kill traps which have never been proven to be effective in the northern bush. I think we all realize the necessity of changing to this new type of trap. If we want industry to survive we must be responsive to what we are hearing from the market-place. However, several experienced elders and trappers, who have talked to me lately, have pointed out these may not be totally effective with certain species. Can the Minister indicate whether he will be conducting an evaluation of the effectiveness of these new traps, included in the trap exchange program, to determine whether they contribute to the lower fur yield during the first part of the trapping season? Mahsi.

Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Renewable Resources and part of it will be in statement form. Although the traps are acceptable to many people, I have heard that a person got caught in a trap. The man was lucky he did not freeze, he was not by himself. If he had been on his own he would have frozen to death. The people from our communities have requested the Minister of Renewable Resources visit and examine certain traps. The people of Cape Dorset have requested the Minister to visit the community. Would the Minister tell the Legislature if he will be able to visit, and if not he is able to visit now when in 1993? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Allooloo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The traps that were being used in the eastern Arctic are not being used at present. There were complications stated from various communities regarding the traps. At the present time we have informed the hunters' and trappers' association not to use new traps until we find a way to use them safety. If my schedule allows me, I will visit the eastern communities, although I cannot give you a date today. Thank you.

Item 5, Oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Transportation. I assume the Minister has undertaken some initiatives since taking on this portfolio. Specifically, I understand the Minister has authorized the construction of some new winter roads in the Keewatin region. Can the Minister advise this House as to what new roads are being constructed in the Keewatin this winter?

Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, we are currently looking at the feasibility of a possible ice road between Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove. The current cost of freight and food into Whale Cove is the most expensive in the Keewatin. We are looking at the potential of trying to alleviate some of these costs for the people of Whale Cove.

Item 5, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Is the Minister saying that there is no construction at the moment and only the design and feasibility of the project?

Mr. Todd.

Mr. Speaker, there is no construction under way. Right now we are conducting the feasibility. We are discussing it with two northern native contractors, Mr. Voisey from Whale Cove and Mr. Airut from Rankin Inlet.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudluk.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a supplementary question to my honourable colleague's question to the Minister of Renewable Resources. I have previously asked the Minister questions with regard to traps. He has indicated he has not looked into this matter. However, it is known today that polar bear cubs have been trapped in these particular traps. I am sure many hunters are not too happy about this, particularly within the smaller communities. I am talking about polar bear cubs. Has he thought about this situation? If polar bear cubs are trapped in this manner in the future, will these be counted as tags and effect the polar bear tags in the communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Allooloo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet there is a polar bear management plan in place. Earlier this winter polar bears were trapped accidentally. I know of three which were trapped in the larger traps. The polar management agreement indicates if the polar bears are caught in any way they are to be taken off the quota. However, for the polar bears that were caught accidentally by traps, the department is reviewing the situations case by case. At the present time, we have met with the hunters' and trappers' association in Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet to set up an agreement to see how this will effect their quota. We are talking with the hunters and trappers in the individual communities. Although all of the communities might not agree, we will be handling things through each hunters' and trappers' association. Thank you.