I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Ng on February 15, 1994, on fire fighting systems used in NWT communities. In response to the honourable Member's question and further discussions with the Member, I would like to offer the following response.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs does have standards for fire fighting systems and equipment. These standards are detailed in the department's capital program standards and criteria manual, copies of which have been provided to Members.

The department also provides unconditional funding for operations and maintenance costs related to the servicing of these systems as part of the hamlet funding formula. Individual communities, however, are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their fire systems and equipment. Since this funding is unconditional, communities may make their own decisions on how these funds are to be spent. The Minister does have the option of responding to special cases that may warrant extraordinary assistance.

The fire marshal's office has informed the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs that he has already directed his staff to evaluate existing fire alerting systems in all communities during 1994-95 community inspection visits. Thank you, Madam Speaker.