Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my congratulations. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 16, 1992, our Premier announced in this House her Cabinet's new directions. During the Premier's speech, she indicated the government's decentralization plan. Mr. Speaker, seven areas were to be addressed in the decentralization plan, which were to begin April 1, 1993 and end in April 1994.
The first was to decentralize airports and transportation programs to be moved to Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Baker Lake.
The second was to take advantage of existing infrastructure and support services, the head office and administration of Arctic College would be moved to Iqaluit and Fort Smith.
The third was in recognition of a distinct...For the supply roads for products delivered by the POL division, its headquarters operation would be placed in Rankin Inlet and Fort Simpson.
The fourth was given the availability of the necessary communications and processing facilities and available infrastructure, the health insurance section which will primarily process health billings will be located to Inuvik and Rankin Inlet.
The fifth was a Science Institute headquarters would be moved to its laboratory and research facility in Inuvik, Igloolik and/or Iqaluit.
The sixth was recognizing the predominance of transportation and utility companies in Hay River, the Highway Transport Board and Public Utilities Board will be moved there.
The seventh was in order to capture the economic benefits of government spending, Cabinet is prepared to support the location of an aircraft maintenance facility in Fort Smith for its fleet of water bombers and to develop a training component in conjunction with Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier herself stated the decentralization would take place starting April 1, 1993 and end April 1994. Mr. Speaker, to my knowledge, practically all of the decentralization has been completed and I commend the government. Except for the last one which is to support the location of an aircraft maintenance facility in Fort Smith. My constituents are waiting patiently for some movement of construction of this facility.
I want the public to know that I resigned as Speaker because of recognizing that the creation of an aircraft maintenance facility, which Cabinet Support, was being placed on the back burner of the government's agenda. I am obligated, as an elected Member, to ensure the commitment of this government that has been made is fulfilled, and I honestly believe that the focus has shifted from what was told to this House on June 16, 1992.
I must stress the importance of my...