Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by the honourable Mr. Ningark on February 16th with respect to shortage of O and M funding for recreational facilities.

The operations and maintenance funding for recreational facilities is incorporated into the hamlet funding formula under the municipal operating assistance policy. This policy was implemented in 1992.

All municipalities are funded for utility costs for recreational facilities on the same basis as other public buildings. Funding for utility costs is based on an average of the last three years of actual costs.

Other operations and maintenance costs are funded under the hamlet funding formula at levels consistent with office building maintenance. In addition, salary subsidies are provided for a recreation leader and facility operator to assist communities in ensuring facilities are well utilized and properly maintained.

Several years ago, a study was done to determine if recreation funding was adequate in Coppermine and Cambridge Bay. The study revealed that the gap between costs and revenues, primarily composed of GNWT contributions, was not as large as generally believed. It is noteworthy that this study was undertaken prior to the implementation of the municipal operating assistance policy, under which funding levels were improved.

The department is willing to look at specific cases and work with communities that are experiencing financial difficulties in operating facilities, but believes the funding provided under the various programs is sufficient to operate recreational facilities if the buildings are operated effectively and efficiently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.