Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At this stage my department's role is facilitating community needs, attending meetings and making the communities aware of what is happening in this particular area. PanArctic has proposed to dump 400 tons of scrap metal into the ocean. In September 1992, they applied for a permit from the federal government to dump 400 tons of scrap metal near Lougheed Island. There was a public meeting organized by Environment Canada in Resolute Bay to consult with the communities of Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord. We assisted the people of Grise Fiord to get to Resolute Bay to attend the public hearing.

My department has been in contact with Environment Canada to raise our concern that even though the impact is thought to be very minimal, as a government we are very concerned that if we start dumping little bits here and there, soon we will pollute northern waters. As a result, this government has contacted both Environment Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs regarding our concerns. This morning our Premier talked to Indian and Northern Affairs in Yellowknife stating our concern and asking them to look into this. I have written a letter to the Minister of the Environment raising our concerns. Also, I am told that ITC is planning to file a notice of objection under section 86(4) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to the federal government. Thank you.