I have a further reply to another question that was asked by Mrs. Jeannie Marie-Jewell on February 24, 1995 regarding authorization for a 90-day time frame for fire suppression negotiations.

Mr. Speaker, in the submission to Cabinet, it was recommended by the sponsoring departments, Public Works and Services and Renewable Resources, that negotiations with Dene Metis Holdings Limited should start immediately and be concluded within 90 days in order to allow for the approval of the contract by the end of 1994 and for construction of a hangar to start in the summer of 1995. The objective of the 90-day time frame was not to establish a rigid schedule, but to ensure significant progress so that arrangements could be completed in time to have plans in place for the 1995 fire season. Thank you.