(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to express my concerns regarding the airstrip in Lake Harbour. I am requesting that this concern be solved by the Minister of Transportation. There is mountainous country surrounding my community. We are requesting, from the Minister of Transportation, more runway lighting for the runway in Lake Harbour. We would like runway lighting above the mountain at the end of the runway in Lake Harbour. Some of the pilots who go to Lake Harbour have been complaining. In the months of October, November and December, it is very dark in my community and there are always planes coming in, except for Fridays. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like the Minister to consider putting extra runway lighting in my community. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pudlat. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Mike.

Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. I would like to thank the Minister for making a statement today on Hondo Oil and Gas. The Mackenzie-Porcupine Pipeline Company, according to their press statement, has filed a notice of intent with the state of Alaska for a pipeline right-of-way to transport gas from the Mackenzie Delta to Alaska. In their press statement they also stated they want construction to start sometime this year with a goal to commence gas delivery in mid to late 1997. What is the status of this application to construct a gas pipeline?

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, it is true there has been a filing of intent with the state of Alaska, however, as I noted in the statement on Hondo Oil and Gas, it is in the very preliminary stage. When we first heard about this venture we indicated to Hondo Oil and Gas that they should be consulting with the claimant groups in that particular area as they could possibly have their project on stream next year, but I think that would be highly unlikely and it is very ambitious. I am sure once consultation takes place with the Delta people and the north Yukon, Old Crow people, they will find there are various environmental concerns as well as participation of these groups which will have to be considered. I would think it would be highly unlikely that their schedule to begin construction in 1994-95 is realistic. We are going to be monitoring this very consistently. I think it could be a good thing for the groups of people who could be participants in this venture, however we all realize how difficult it is to get the funding for such a project, let alone the environmental approval and regulatory approvals that would be required. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Has the company filed notice of intent with the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Yukon and with any of the aboriginal groups?

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, no, they have not. The advice we have given to them is that it would be in their best interest to have informal, preliminary talks with the claimant groups within the particular area that they want to export gas from. They are taking that advice but there have been no applications filed at this point.

Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

With a project of this type and once we receive an application, there will be a need for the governments and the aboriginal groups to have public hearings. What initiatives will this government be taking to ensure there will be effective public consultation on this project?

Ms. Cournoyea.

Mr. Speaker, I believe we do not have a great deal of information on the particular project and we will have to gather more. This week, the deputy minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources will be meeting with Hondo Oil. As well, there are scheduled meetings with the Gwich'in, Inuvialuit and individuals from Old Crow. However, once the company decides to file, the normal process will be instituted whereby the regulatory process will take over. At that point in time built into the regulatory process is the involvement of all concerned parties to take part in the hearings. However, I believe this will be determined once these informal meetings have taken place to see precisely what is being planned by the company. We will, as a government, ensure, as with all projects of this nature, that the concerns and the involvement of the people in those areas are fully informed and involved. Thank you.

Oral questions. Mr. Ningark.

Ms. Cournoyea.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I spent a day with the people of Gjoa Haven and attended the opening of their community complex However, the issue of bussing did come up. The concern of the community and their requirements were sent to the Department of Education. I believe the Minister responsible is looking at an overall bussing policy. This would take in the needs of not only Gjoa Haven, but also other communities with a similar situation. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier has indicated that the Minister of Education will be developing a policy. When can we expect to see this policy? Thank you.

Ms. Cournoyea.

made by Mr. Nerysoo, so I would refer that to the Minister responsible.

The Premier may refer questions to appropriate Ministers. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated to Mr. Arngna'naaq previously, I was hoping to have a draft bussing program before the end of this fiscal year. If not, I will report back to my colleagues as to the reasons why that particular policy is not going to be considered.

Oral questions. Mr. Koe.