No, is this where the planning activity occurs for new schools?

Mr. Chairman, yes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wanted to give the Minister a little more notice than a few minutes, but I would like to get an update on the progress of constructing a new school in Apex. I want to repeat, briefly, my comments the other day. I am very pleased with the speed with which the department has responded to this unfortunate situation. We have had support given to the community to plan a new school and to renovate a temporary accommodation, people have worked above and beyond the call of duty. I think the community, along with myself, are very grateful for the efforts which have been put in place toward having that school reconstructed this summer.

My immediate concern is, as the Minister knows, the school which burned down had a gym. Members of the community were shown a plan of the Paulatuk School, which seems to be adequate for their needs of a four classroom school and it could be built quickly because it is an existing design. The plans the community saw included a small gym. I have tried to explain to them, since this was an unbudgeted item, they should be realistic about accepting the small gym and it would be the most they could expect. It happens to be about the same size as the gym that burned down. I realize this matter may not have gone to Cabinet for final approval, but can I give my constituents some assurances that the Minister will be recommending a gym as part of the new school? Thank you.

Perhaps you should talk to the individual next to you and ask him about the gym in Chesterfield. No, Mr. Chairman. We move quite quickly in this particular area. I understand the concern the honourable Member has with regard to the idea of a gym being included in the proposed school. I would like to indicate what has been approved so far. We still have to come back and make some additional decisions as to what approaches we take to accommodate the idea of the activity room that was actually in the school that the honourable Member can recall. We are trying to address that matter. It is a four classroom school which we are talking about. The Cabinet has asked me to re-assess the project with a view that we address the concerns that the honourable Member has raised, but that is the level to which we have approved this project. We have tried to move as quickly as we can in trying to accommodate the needs for the 1993-94 school year.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the community feels strongly about the gym because their old school which burned down had a gym. As they have been told, the insurance policy on the school provides for replacement of a like-facility. So, their expectations are high, since the old school had a gym, the new one should have a gym also. I understand from the Minister, it is being considered by Cabinet or will be considered by Cabinet and I am pleased to hear that. I know the Minister has been asked to look into this and I do realize that may require additional funds. Could I have an indication from the Minister, since I am sure he knows as well as I do the tight timing that will be required in order to meet sea-lift deadlines if construction is to take place this coming year, when he expects this issue of the gym might be resolved by Cabinet? Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, I cannot be specific on the date at this juncture, only to suggest to the honourable Member concern has been raised about this matter and hopefully we can address it so that we can accommodate sea-lift and the needs of the community. I just ask that the Member understand the position we are in, in terms of trying to respond positively. We are trying to be positive to meet the needs and requests of the community of Apex. That would include the need of providing a gym, if that is necessary.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am somewhat encouraged by the Minister's commitments to make it a priority to deal with this issue. I am aware that the school in Chesterfield Inlet did not have a gym. I think I was responsible when that school was constructed, but fortunately that community does have a community gym. There is a gym in the community. I am sure the Minister knows the community of Apex is a very well-organized and close-knit community. They have traditionally used that school gym for community events, meetings and feasts, and it is a very critical issue for them. I am under some great pressure to get them an answer on this outstanding issue. I do not want to be ungrateful because I know tremendous efforts have been undertaken to deal with this emergency situation for which the community is extremely grateful. However, it is this one final pressing issue that is now of concern and I can tell the Minister that I am quite confident the project must be tendered before the end of this month if we are going to meet sea-lift deadlines. I am quite confident in saying that from my experience with other projects. In fact, that will be very tight timing. I will accept those answers, but perhaps put the Minister, and Members of Cabinet, on notice that one way or the other the issue is going to have to be resolved while this House is in session. I may be pursuing it further in this House. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Patterson. I believe that was a general comment. Page by page? Directorate, total O and M, $3.368 million. Agreed? Mr. Arvaluk.

Mr. Chairman, before we approve that, because of the lack of Members, I am not comfortable with proceeding page by page without the rest of the Members. I would like to make a motion to report progress.

Thank you, Mr. Arvaluk. There is a motion to report progress. The motion is not debateable. Question. All those in favour? Do we have a quorum? Please ring the bell. I believe you, Mr. Arvaluk, when you say there is a lack of interest.

There was a motion moved by Mr. Arvaluk to report progress. The motion is not debatable because of lack of interest in the House regarding Education estimates. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed? The motion is defeated. Where were you guys anyway?

---Laughter

Page 16-14, directorate, total O and M, $3.368 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Advanced Education

Thank you. The next page, advanced education, total O and M, $57.142 million. Agreed?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Culture

Thank you. Culture, total O and M, $8.256 million. Agreed? Mr. Patterson.

Mr. Chairman, is it his intention to have the new policy on museums in place in order to assist in the development of the capital budget for the coming fiscal year in sufficient time, so that it will be available to guide the finalization of the capital budget?

Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, Mr. Chairman.