Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a statement today in regard to some of the concerns the community of Aklavik has regarding what has happened in their community. Mr. Speaker, the first item I would like to speak to, is in regard to the school which is presently being constructed. I would like to thank the government for that. This contract has been issued to a joint-venture company which is made up of the Gwich'in and Inuvialuit and the aboriginal committee in Aklavik. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also note that in Aklavik there have been two positions cut in the last year and so far, this year, they have recorded up to 18 percent enrolment. Like most other schools, there is a lot of stress on the teachers and the students in those classrooms to deal with the increased enrolment, but also the lack of materials and resources to work with.

Mr. Speaker, also with construction contracts in the community of Aklavik, there is a concern regarding the length and time it takes for these contracts to be awarded and issued and the construction to start. For instance, Mr. Speaker, the school in Aklavik which was basically in the budget in April, negotiations did not conclude until late June. There was still information flowing back and forth between the Inuvik regional office and headquarters here in Yellowknife. In regards to that time being delayed, the community had to postpone the project which they were hoping to have concluded by this spring. Because of that, Mr. Speaker, the project will have to be extended due to the costs of moving materials into Aklavik this fall. All materials were not able to get there.

Another matter, Mr. Speaker, is the airport in Aklavik. Presently, the airport has been downgraded in regard to the status it held. Because of the downgrade, it means that the airspace for Aklavik has declined due to concern from the government because of the length of the airport. Also, because the health centre exceeds the allowable height in the community because of its location next to the airport. This downgrade means that the community of Aklavik will receive less flights. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.