Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was recently asked if I personally thought that the Rankin Inlet project was feasible and if I thought it would save government dollars. Mr. Speaker, my answer to that question is I really can't say at this time. That project could be the best deal since the invention of the honey bucket, but without being provided the details and accurate facts and figures, I can't offer an informed opinion.

Mr. Speaker, before I conclude my statement, I would ask the honourable Minister of DPW to give some further review and thoughts to the following key points: Does the Minister have the mandate to enter into a multi-million dollar contract for 20 to 25 years, in view of the fact that division is only three years away? Can the Minister state unconditionally that there will be a cost savings in view of the fact that it appears we have no firm capital cost that has been concluded and finalized? Mr. Speaker, it appears to me that it would be difficult to make this sort of a statement. If you don't know what capital costs are associated with this project, how can you determine what the cost-savings are going to be? We don't know what the lease costs are for the project, at this time.

Can the Minister assure this House that when dry good costs rise, they will be subsidized for the long term and not just the short-term period of two years. What will be the amount of the subsidy? Mr. Speaker, can the Minister provide information to the fact that prices will not increase once the fuel is delivered or taken from the tank farm and delivered to the other eastern communities?