Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board. On October 12, 1994, the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board was asked in this House why the board had not scheduled public hearings in Nunavut, or for that matter, anywhere else outside of Yellowknife regarding the NWT Power Corporation's general rate application.

Since this application would have a significant effect on all communities in the Northwest Territories, Members were quite surprised that no hearings were scheduled in communities other than Yellowknife. The Minister said, "quite frankly, I'm quite surprised myself," and promised to "take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the Public Utilities Board will meet in those regions affected." Can the Minister tell us when and where these other public hearings are due to take place? Mahsi.

Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, I did say at the time that I was equally as surprised as the Members

were. I have spoken to the chairman since that time, and in defence of the Public Utilities Board, their concern was cost because they are trying to keep this board lean and mean so it doesn't cost the government and, ultimately, everybody in the territories a lot of money.

I have got the chairman of the board's assurances that, in future, and when this hearing concludes, there will be hearings in the territories with respect to this issue and future hearings of this magnitude. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is good that we hear this, because we were quite interested in my area to have this type of hearing in the communities because it is going to affect everybody who pays power bills. Can the Minister commit to consulting again with the chairman of the Public Utilities Board and immediately return to this House with a schedule for further public hearings on the Power Corporation's application? Thank you.

Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Mr. Todd.

Maybe I should say that it is my understanding, in talking to the chairman of the PUB, that hearings will be held -- if that's the right term -- in the areas immediately affected with this particular issue. I believe in Inuvik, Iqaluit, et cetera. But, I know that the chairman of the board and the committee recognize now that there is clearly a need when we are dealing with issues that affect us all, that they must move out of the centre, in Yellowknife, and let the people be heard. Thank you.

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Well, if I'm correct, it is difficult to implement something when the legislation hasn't been passed, Madam Speaker.

It passed.

Has it?

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Aivilik, Mr. Arvaluk.

Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Todd.

We're in a kind of dichotomy here. We're in a situation where the NWT Development Corporation is trying its hardest to be less dependent on subsidies and it has to be cost-effective, particularly with meat, and comparative to conventional cows, sheep, pigs and chickens. So, they have set a rate they are prepared to pay the hunters and trappers of Coral Harbour because of the requirement for them to be competitive.

I think it is important, too, to point out that, even with that rate, there's a significant subsidy in EDA money. So, it is a very difficult situation. We would like to be able to pay the hunters and trappers more but, at the same time, we've got to try to accommodate the Development Corporation's need to be more competitive in the market place. We are working towards that end with the development of a gourmet product to get more return for our investment. However, at this time, I believe the $1.25 rate is set. But, we will certainly look at trying to improve the return to the hunters and trappers who are the first line in this issue. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Minister, himself, has been in the Keewatin for years and has been told

over, and over again that this quality of meat is tops in the whole NWT, as far as caribou meat is concerned. Is the Minister saying, considering these qualities, that $1.25 a pound is a fair rate for caribou the quality of Coral Harbour caribou?

Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Todd.

Madam Speaker, we've only had one year of a commercial hunt through Coral Harbour, so it's very much in its infant stage. We're currently trying to get the meat federally inspected. If we get the meat federally inspected, then we can look for markets outside of the Northwest Territories. If we find markets outside of the Northwest Territories, that will bring us a better return for our investment on value-added caribou, then we will be able to provide the hunters and trappers with more return for the commercial hunt. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Supplementary. Impacting on the rates that can be paid for caribou are the other expenses which eat into the revenue, I know that. Would the processing cost be lower if more of the butchering and processing could be done close to where the caribou are caught?