There are two problems with your request. In the first part of your question, you asked for the Minister's opinion. The second problem I have is that you asked a second question. Mr. Patterson, perhaps you would like to start over again. Mr. Patterson.

I am still learning, Mr. Speaker.

---Laughter

---Applause

I thank your indulgence. It has been eleven years since I have asked questions in this House. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister be doing anything about this problem reported by the chair of the Baffin divisional board?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I have already raised the matter of concern with the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation and the Minister of Personnel.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

What solutions did the Minister of Education recommend to the Minister of Personnel about potentially good teachers apparently being scared away from taking jobs in the Baffin region?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Mr. Speaker, I think many of the suggested changes that have been announced by the Minister of Personnel were a result of some of the interventions that I made on behalf of the concerns that were raised. I think they were responsive and will accommodate many of the concerns that the teachers have. I think they will also ensure that there is an acceptable method of resolving some of the additional concerns that individual teachers have with regard to the housing policy. I think it is fair and it is going to be reasonable in solving some of the individual concerns.

Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Is the Minister suggesting that the changes announced February 17 and 18, 1993, by the Minister of Personnel have effectively dealt with the concerns of the Baffin divisional board and that the recruitment problems they have experienced to date will now be over?

Again, you are asking the opinion of the Minister, but the Minister may respond. Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think that is an opinion, I am not absolutely certain that it will resolve all issues. I think the honourable Minister indicated he will have his department have discussions with those individuals who have concerns, including those who want to stay in our houses and have encountered problems as a result of the housing initiative that we have undertaken. We will address those particular concerns.

The other point is the changes that have been announced will address some of the concerns. I am not certain if every one will be addressed, but I think that what is clear is that there is an initiative on our part to get out of the responsibility of housing. It is not intended to get out of the responsibility without recognition of our commitment and responsibility to our staff, teachers and all staff in our communities.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, I raised a question directed to the Minister of Transportation. We have been requesting an update on our runway in Lake Harbour. I have no idea if our airstrip will be upgraded. I would like to know when the Minister will be able to respond to my question. If possible, I would like to get a response during this session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The question yesterday raised by my honourable colleague was with respect to lighting, and I did take the question as notice. Hopefully I will have a response for this in the next two or three days with respect to the additional work he feels is required in the Lake Harbour airport. That particular project is currently under review by the department and it is part of the overall strategy to improve airports of that nature. At this time, I do not have the specifics as to when or what exactly would happen with respect to the airstrip. I would be prepared to provide him with that as soon as possible.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to know if the Minister of Transportation has ever made a trip to Lake Harbour. In the months of November and December we usually have late flights and I am wondering if the Minister of Transportation can work towards getting our airstrip upgraded? I am also wondering if the Minister can work towards upgrading the poor lighting on the airstrip, as that has always been a problem. Perhaps it would be better for the Minister to visit our community to see the problems we have been facing with the airstrip.

Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last time I was in Lake Harbour was in 1975 when I was a local government development officer. I understand...

Boo.

---Laughter

At that time, I was aware that the current airstrip was only capable of taking Twin Otter flights. I have said to my honourable colleague, I will look at it. We are looking at it as it relates to Lake Harbour and other areas across the territories. Once we finalize the strategy and determine the kinds of dollars that are required, I will report back to the House on it and to the honourable colleague.

He did ask me when I was last in Lake Harbour, gentlemen.

Item 5, oral questions. Mr. Koe.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a question for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. When the Minister decided to eliminate the board of the Housing Corporation, he assured this House that it would not lead to a loss of community input. He told Members, Mr. Speaker, he is going to hold lots of annual meetings in the west, North Slave, South Slave, Kitikmeot, Keewatin and the Baffin. He said he would even hold more annual meetings, one in every community in the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, recognizing that the Minister informed the House that by dissolving the board of directors for the Housing Corporation, he would save about $630,000 in board costs, does the Minister have a projection of what it is going to cost the government to hold all of these annual meetings?