Thank you. Mr. Speaker, this is in response to Mr. Enuaraq regarding cleanup of Cape Christian. The Federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development transferred buildings and other assets located at the former United States Coastguard Station near Cape Christian to the Government of the Northwest Territories in 1979. The transfer documents did not clearly indicate who was responsible for cleaning up the debris and contaminated soil remaining at the site. Regardless of this outstanding matter, my department has undertaken a great deal of work in recent years to remove those wastes which pose the greatest risk. During this time, my department and the Department of Public Works and Services have also been in discussion with DIAND in an attempt to resolve the matter of responsibility, but with little success. More recently, my deputy minister has raised this subject with DIAND's Regional Director General.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot at this time, provide the honourable Member, with a direct answer to his question of when the cleanup of Cape Christian will be completed because discussions with the federal government have not resolved the matter of responsibility. I can state, however, that this government remains committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and the environment by continuing to work towards the eventual cleanup of Cape Christian and other abandoned military sites located across the north. Thank you.