Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, bearing in mind the decision the federal Minister made to allow DPW Canada and the four birthright groups to be responsible for the creation of the future Nunavut government infrastructure, I do not believe it is appropriate for the GNWT to be entering into long-term contracts applicable to the future Nunavut territory. I strongly believe this government body does not have any right to commit the future Nunavut government to expenditures that they might not be able to meet.

Furthermore, the Nunavut government, once established, may feel under no obligation to honour these financial commitments. I am of the opinion that this government must limit contract terms to the proposed division date of April 1, 1999, or shortly thereafter as possible. Mr. Speaker, I am referring, in particular, to the long-term fuel delivery contract that the Department of Public Works and Services has entered into with the Nunasi Corporation for the supply of fuel to the Baffin region.

Mr. Speaker, I will be addressing questions to the Minister of Public Works and Services in this regard at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.