Mr. Speaker, I hear question being called and I know the whereases are lengthy enough that they outline the concerns, but I would like to make two points. I won't go over the reasons for this motion in detail.

I thought of inviting the Minister of Canadian Heritage to account for the changes that many of my constituents are so concerned about, and was told by officials in Canadian Heritage that it would be very unlikely that the Minister would come here, burdened as he is with CBC cuts and aboriginal language agreement funding issues, as well as other priorities in Ottawa. Everyone I spoke to said the individual I have named in the motion is the one who has been initiating the changes that have caused such concern.

So, Mr. Speaker, although I know it is not preferred that an official be asked to be accountable, I think in this case it is appropriate because this official is making decisions that are affecting this important area of activity in the Northwest Territories. So far, without any or significant consultation with communities and MLAs. So this is the appropriate way of ensuring that that consultation takes places.

Secondly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform Members of the House that I have endeavoured, through the good offices of Mr. Todd, the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, to find out more about the organizational changes and to find out more details about the financial impacts, which I have outlined in general terms in my motion. His senior officials have told me in so many words that getting this information is like trying to pin down jello. There is a constantly changing scenario and an evasion of direct answers on what is going to happen with parks in the Northwest Territories and with Canadian Heritage as it reorganizes itself in the Northwest Territories. We do know changes are underfoot. This is not just rumours or apprehensions. For example, in my riding, I have been told that the Nunavut park superintendent position recently created and now vacant, will not be refilled. We have been told that the Nunavut land claims coordinator position was to be moved out of Nunavut, although that decision has recently been reversed. I am told by other MLAs that resources have been shifted in Nahanni Butte and in Fort Smith. So these are real changes and they have a significant impact on the Northwest Territories. I am hoping, therefore, that Members will support me in this move to find out what is going on and ensure a measure of consultation and accountability that has not been followed to date by the officials making these significant changes. Thank you.