Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as all Members of this House realize, the Keewatin people are experiencing the collapse of the health care system and are basically living under third world conditions. Mr. Speaker, most Ministers and Ordinary Members have publicly acknowledged the horrendous state and the need for immediate and drastic changes to the system. Mr. Speaker, I have numerous calls from residents of Arviat and the president of KIA, the Keewatin Inuit Association, referring to statements that were made in this House yesterday by the Premier. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope these comments are not indicative of how serious the Premier takes the health care concerns of the people of the Keewatin.

Mr. Speaker, in an exchange with Mr. Steen, the Premier stated and I quote, "I believe health care in the Keewatin is quite adequate. I believe the Minister handled it well, and once again, he has my full support and that of his Cabinet colleagues." Mr. Speaker, I realize that the Premier has been away in Latin America on a trade mission for the past ten days, but he certainly has not been away for the past ten months. Mr. Speaker, the very critical issue has been raised by the majority of the residents of the Keewatin, medical staff, nurses, hamlet councils, the president of the KIA, president of NTI, the NWT Association of Nurses and the NWT Medical Association, and finally Mr. Speaker, approximately six months ago I requested a full public inquiry into the activities and operation of the Keewatin Health Board. Unfortunately, it was refused by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories after consulting with the Premier. Mr. Speaker, in view of the health care crises in the Keewatin, I would suggest that all is not hunky dory and well in the Keewatin. Thank you.

--Applause