Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just had one question about resupply particularly in the Keewatin, but in the eastern Arctic generally. As I understand it, Mr. Chairman, the department is examining the option of supplying petroleum products through Rankin Inlet while supplying dry cargo through Churchill. The standing committee will recommend that it makes sense to have the POL supply in the Baffin and the transportation of cargo in the Baffin, but particularly the POL which is now under review because of transfers from MOT brought under one department so as to achieve the maximum economies of scale.
I also understand that the department is even looking beyond eastern Arctic requirements, and is considering whether we might possibly profitably collaborate with Greenland on resupply in some of these items, which would make an even bigger potential economy of scale. I'm all in favour of this, Mr. Chairman.
We also know that the department has done analysis which shows that putting aside the issue of local benefits -- and I don't mean that they're not important -- but looking solely at the issue of cost, the direct resupply of fuel and cargo from Montreal would be the cheapest option for resupplying Keewatin, and that's of course the way it's done in Baffin now. I guess I would like to ask the Minister, Mr. Chairman, assuming that the government will decide to act on the SCOF's recommendation and roll the Baffin POL requirements and the whole resupply issue in Baffin under the authority of the Minister of Transportation so that there can be perhaps better links between Baffin and Keewatin, would this change mean that the Department of Transportation would be looking at new and larger options for resupply in Keewatin? I guess, Mr. Chairman, I'm wanting to know how final this conclusion is about using Rankin to supply petroleum products for the Keewatin and using Churchill to supply dry cargo, in light of other options that may emerge with Baffin and/or with Greenland. So I'm just wondering, is there still analysis yet to be undertaken before the final plan is concluded? Thank you.