The Minister responsible for forest fire management and programs, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my understanding that there are four CL-215s on the Horn Plateau fighting that fire and Bird Dog officers are accompanying them. There are also two others who are taking orientation in Fort Smith today and did yesterday, I believe. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Bird Dog officers from the CL-215s had no problem with their issues being addressed. It is the land-based program with the DC-4s where they have refused to fly because of safety concerns. Can the Minister indicate to this House whether or not the Bird Dog officers who have to fly with DC-4s have had their safety concerns addressed? Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Bird Dog officers who accompany the DC-4s have all been checked out and are well qualified. The DC-4s are presently going through orientation, and I believe it's in Hay River and not Fort Smith. That's what is happening right now. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn't ask if the DC-4s are going through orientation. I would like to know whether the Bird Dog officers who accompany the DC-4s have been back to work. Can the Minister indicate to us the status of the Bird Dog officers who accompany the DC-4s to address firefighting? Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Bird Dog officers who accompany the DC-4s are presently, it is my understanding -- in orientation in Fort Smith. Thank you.

Final supplementary, Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can he indicate to this House whether or not these Bird Dog officers have gone back to work? Mr. Speaker, under the union agreement, employees truly concerned about their safety or the safety of others have the right to refuse work. I would like to know whether or not the Minister can indicate to us whether these Bird Dog officers have gone back to work to address firefighting in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Mr. Morin.

Item 6, oral questions. Mr. Dent.