Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister responsible for Arctic Airports. Mr. Speaker, a week or so ago my community of Arviat experienced a power failure during blizzard conditions. Approximately 60 families were left in the dark, in the cold for two days. The Power Corporation tried in vain to fly in a linesman to rectify the problem but unfortunately the plane could not land. The plane could not find the runway because the runway lights could not be turned on due to the power failure. Mr. Speaker, my question is or my concern is, there could have been a number of serious situations occur here, whether it be a medevac or whatever. As a result of not having a backup generator, the lights could not be put on therefore the plane could not land. The linesman had to travel by bombardier from Rankin, which took another eight hours.
For most of the weekend these 60 families were left without heat, lights and so on. My question to the Minister is, will the Minister review with the hamlet the possibilities of installing a backup generator for the airport to avoid further serious conditions, such as these? Thank you.