Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A year ago the community of Broughton Island decided they would like to have the renewable resource officer position transferred under community empowerment. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development were sent a letter of interest in October 1996. The community was informed that there may be a problem with enforcement issues if the renewable resource officer position went to the community under community empowerment. The community did not see

this as being a problem because there are community constables who must enforce the law and do so.

To make transfer to community empowerment easier, enforcement was not to be included in the draft agreement. The community has continued to make requests for a draft agreement and the last three years have actual costs at Broughton Island position. The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development were contacted by a letter and e-mail over five times last year. Broughton Island has received nothing in writing from the regional office since January 29, 1997. The department has been contacted in writing three times since January, asking for a response. The community is frustrated with the lack of attention that this issue is receiving. Thank you.