Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The health centre in Repulse Bay is in need of a vehicle to transport patients. Currently, residents of the community have to rely on the hamlet community service trucks to transport them when they are seriously ill. Often, people are reluctant to call the service men in the middle of the night knowing that they have to work in the morning. A lot of times, seriously ill people are forced to travel by skidoo or four-wheeler and, in some cases, even by sled.

I am told that in the wintertime, patients who cannot walk to the health centre or airport are wrapped in sleeping bags and transported on stretchers in the back of pick-up trucks or on komatiks, with IVs attached to them. This is obviously not a safe way to move sick or injured individuals.

Mr. Speaker, the health centre was built with an attached garage so there is already a facility in place to house a vehicle. The local nurse would be responsible for the automobile to ensure that it is only used for medical purposes. I would urge the Department of Health and Social Services to act quickly so that the health and well-being of the residents of Repulse Bay is no longer placed at risk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause