Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There has been some discussion in the Keewatin region over the past ten years regarding the building of a regional health centre. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the time allotted to me this afternoon to speak on this matter. During my last visit, there was a great deal of concern raised on this matter in the communities which I represent. At that time, a consultant was hired by the Keewatin regional health board to consult with the communities in the region.
I speak to this, Mr. Speaker, because the communities which I represent were very concerned that this would turn into the same thing that happened with the Keewatin regional high school. As the honourable Member for Iqaluit, who is not present, knows well, the decision on the regional high school was a dramatic experience and I believe the regional health centre will be just as dramatic. At this point, Mr. Speaker, the Keewatin regional health board is going through the consultation process which should be a normal process for any government. However, I do not believe that it has come to the Yellowknife level yet, to the people who will be making all the final decisions on capital projects.
At the present time a member of the Arviat health committee has not been chosen, as far as I know. In fact, there has not been an active representative on a regular basis since December of 1991. The community of Arviat is very concerned about this. Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister responsible for Health at the appropriate time in this regard.
There are many words which will be said with regard to the regional health centre from the Keewatin regional health board. However, I warn the Minister at this time that there will be many repercussions, as far as the government is concerned, from as menial as the direction of the entrance of the facility to the location of the health facility itself. I will guarantee that right now. I represent two communities which put together have the highest population of either of the other ridings in the Keewatin and they will come together, not necessarily to make a majority, but will create many headaches...