Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise on a point of privilege. The February 13, 1997 edition of the Inuvik Drum, in reporting on a public meeting that I attended on February 7th in Inuvik, incorrectly implied that I said, and I quote:

"The Department of Health and Social Services hopes to reduce the number of treatment centres to just one in each of the western and eastern territories by 1999."

My comments were intended as an assurance that there would be at least two facilities, rather than a threat or an announcement of further reductions in funding. The elimination of funding for another treatment facility is not currently part of the department's plan for alcohol and drug treatment facilities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Point of order. Mr. O'Brien.

Point of Order

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order concerning a matter that occurred in the committee of the whole Friday, February 14. Mr. Speaker, this is my first opportunity to raise this point. I refer to Rule 23(h) which states that in debate a Member will be called to order by the Speaker if the Member makes allegations against another Member, a House Officer or a witness. Mr. Speaker, the Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin, made the statement that I should not have the word honourable in front of my name. At the time, the comment was made I asked the Honourable Premier to apologize for his comment. I note that on page 1103 of the unedited Hansard that Mr. Morin withdrew the remark but did not apologize for it. Mr. Speaker, using Rule 23(h) I request that you rule that I have a point of order and request the Premier, the honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, apologize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Although the discussion was in committee of the whole, a Member is entitled at the first opportune time to rise on a point of order if he has one. In this case, Mr. O'Brien has done that. Having found that the honourable Mr. Morin used offensive words, I will now ask that Mr. Morin apologize for the use of his words. Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to this House if they found my remarks offensive. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Morin. I would like to take a moment to ponder about an event that happened 60 years ago. Today in an area known as the North Ooglit Islands, about 30 kilometres north of Hall Beach, that was the day our colleague from Amittuq, Mr. Evaloarjuk, was born.

---Applause

As most Members know, Mr. Evaloarjuk was a Member of the Assembly from 1975 to 1984 before being re-elected in 1995. On behalf of all the Members, I would like to wish Mr. Evaloarjuk a happy 60th birthday.

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

Have a good day. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Morin.