Mr. Speaker, recently there was a conference in Iqaluit that was put together by the Inuit Arctic Polar Commission, that dealt specifically with Arctic contaminants. There were a series of recommendations made in there. At this time, it is not possible for me to say exactly how much pollution is done by mining activity, by existing mines, by previous mines, and whether those come from substances that are used in the actual mining operation or

whether these were substances that were transported and left at the mine sites, substances that were used in previous decades that are now considered hazardous or toxic. All the activities at this time are being looked at. Some of them are being reviewed by the federal government. For instance, Rae Rock Mines, which is a big concern to the Dogrib leadership, has had some extensive work done by the federal government in the last year. It is about 95 percent complete, containing the tailings pond, closing up the mine openings and taking other remedial work to deal with the hazardous elements that were left unattended to at the Rae Rock Mines. I am not certain if I am anywhere near where the Member wants me to be in terms of responding to the question, but in keeping with your direction, Mr. Speaker, I will stop right there. Thank you.