(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This question was relayed to me by Mr. Enuaraq, MLA for Baffin Central, on February 15, 1996, concerning the 1996-97 capital plan for the hamlet of Pangnirtung.
Regarding the specific request to consider advancing the upgrading of the maintenance garage from the 1998-99 fiscal year to the 1996-97 fiscal year (Translation ends).
...department officials advised that as the department's 1996-97 capital budget would soon be under review as part of the government's business planning process, it would be difficult to make this change at such a late date. If the maintenance garage project for Pangnirtung were to be advanced, then another project would need to be set back.
I am advised, however, that after the discussion had concluded on this particular item, the hamlet council advised my department officials that they would accept where this project was scheduled in the capital forecasting plan at present. The council further reconfirmed that their highest priority is to proceed with construction of the new sewage treatment facility and the solid waste site.
I am open to discussing this matter with the Member. If the hamlet has reassessed its priorities and wishes to still pursue advancing the maintenance garage, we could consider a deferral of a project of equal value, within the department's capital forecasting plan for the community. I am also open to discussing the scheduling of capital projects planned by other government departments for Pangnirtung during the 1996-97 fiscal year with the Minister responsible.
I wish to assure the Member that I am prepared to work with him to ensure that to the degree possible, the capital plan for Pangnirtung reflects the priorities of the hamlet council. However, given the limited capital budget that is available to allocate in the coming fiscal year to the many pressing there is very little flexibility to make further budget adjustments between communities without discussion and cooperation from other community councils. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.