(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a reply to an oral question asked by Mark Evaloarjuk on February 19th. Mr. Speaker, the question concerned the retention of surplus in the hamlet of Hall Beach.

Mr. Speaker, the question from Mr. Evaloarjuk was regarding the water and sewage services budget in Hall Beach. Recently, the economic rate for Hall Beach water and sewage services was raised because it was too low and there was a deficit in the program. The rate was increased to help recover that deficit. There is no surplus in Hall Beach.

Community water and sewage service rates are occasionally adjusted to reflect the costs of the program. If there is a surplus in the water and sewage services fund, the economic rate is lowered; if there is a deficit --as there is now in Hall Beach --the rate for water and sewage services must be raised. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)