Mr. Speaker, I am well aware of the situation, mostly because the Member has been in my office every day for the last 10 days speaking to me on this issue.

--- Applause

I was on a teleconference earlier this morning with senior officials of the Gwich'in Tribal Council and with senior officials of the Department of Public Works. I understand that, as we speak, there are talks going on between the Department of Public Works and the Gwich'in Tribal Council to try to resolve the issue. I've instructed the department to resolve it as soon as possible, within the next few days, if possible; and also to ensure that the government lives up to any contractual or any obligations under any agreements that it has previously signed.