Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue I will speak on today is the proposed tank farm for

Rankin Inlet. Mr. Speaker, prior to Christmas in the first sitting of this House, I raised the concern and the fear that the residents and community leaders of my riding had regarding the Eastern Arctic resupply contract. I stated that I was requesting a detailed report to be presented to this House prior to any contracts being awarded. Mr. Speaker, included in my remarks, I asked for assurances from the Minister of Public Works that there would be no negative impact on the cost of living for the residents of my riding. Mr. Speaker, in my statement I also said that any other related contracts that may be issued should not have a negative impact on my riding. Mr. Speaker, the Rankin Inlet tank farm is a related contract and it will have a major impact on the Kivallivik region.

Mr. Speaker, a few months have passed since I made this request. To this date, no consultation has occurred. It is only fair that I qualify the lack of consultation by stating that there was willingness on behalf of the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of Transportation to come to my riding, but unfortunately, due to poor weather and the cancellation of the Nunavut Leaders' Summit, this consultation did not take place. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line here is that the consultation did not take place but still the government continues to move ahead and enter into negotiations against the wishes of the KRC, the Keewatin Regional Council, and the majority of the residents of the Kivallivik region. These negotiations involved the construction of a multi-million-dollar tank farm and also involved a 20 to 25-year lease on this project.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for support from my colleagues to continue.