Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My general comment is regarding the community operation and activity.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask the Minister of MACA, in reviewing the capital forecast for the community of Rae-Edzo, I noticed there is no reference to addressing the $2.3 million retrofit of Rae-Edzo water and sewer system. As you are aware through the numerous pieces of correspondence both through the hamlet and Public Works and Services, there is a problem with the system and needs to be addressed. How does the department plan to deal with the issue? Again, this is another item that has been an ongoing issue for many of my community over a number of years in the communities. During the last year's construction period, Rae-Edzo contracted a local contractor to establish four new lots in Edzo. While this contract was completing an underground pipe into these lots, a problem was discovered. It has been my understanding that a section of water pipe in Edzo is not being used. To illustrate the problem I will quote from the letter dated November 18, 1997 from Bruce Leblanc, at the time acting superintendent. It is my understanding that during one severe winter, in the 1970s, the above noted water main froze and split. In order to provide water to the community, Public Works and Service connected an abandoned 75 main meter raw water pipe that was running parallel to the damaged main, between hydrant number three and four and rebuilt the pipes. I do not know why this 200 millimetre line was not replaced the following summer, as one might have expected. My review in the capital budget for MACA, I do not see where there has been an increase to the appropriate budget items for Rae-Edzo. Could the Minister inform us as to what happens to the funding issue here? What timeframe does the Minister have to resolve the lack of funding the community of Rae-Edzo is experiencing in comparison to other communities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.