The Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs, Ms. Thompson.

(Translation). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to the Keewatin Pilot Project, it has been happening for two years and I have related to them through the newspapers as well as radio. Keewatin mayors have also been informed on this project and it has been in the news for about the last two years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends).

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank the Minister. Maybe the Minister can inform me on whether the mayors have agreed to this project or not? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Ms. Thompson.

(Translation). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This project has been going for the last two years. The majority of the mayors have agreed to this project and have signed their names. As well the Keewatin Inuit Association has also signed for the future planning process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Enuaraq.

(Translation). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are 13 Baffin communities, including Nanisivik. The Baffin Island Inuit have not supported this project. How is this project going to proceed if the people do not support it? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Ms. Thompson.

(Translation). Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This project is just a pilot project and it is an idea. I have stated earlier that this is just an idea to be proposed since there is hardly any more funding available if the funding can be geared toward more development in the communities if the people have knowledge of this. In 1999, it is not going to be proceeded with so that is where the project is at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)

Thank you. Oral questions. Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow up on the question that Mr. Enuaraq, my colleague, was asking on the Keewatin Pilot Project. What were the results from yesterday's meeting on the Keewatin Pilot Project? Thank you.

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have not received the results yet because the meeting just ended one hour ago. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in Baffin there are 52 percent Inuit and they would like to know what is happening with this Keewatin Pilot Project. Why is there going to be a Keewatin Pilot Project when there is Keewatin MLAs as well?

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did not get the question. Is he asking why there are MLAs in the Keewatin? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Second supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Keewatin Pilot Project is dealing with millions and millions of dollars. MLAs from the Keewatin should be making decisions on these. Also in the Baffin, 52 percent of Inuit do not get a portion of that money. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, the money is allocated to the communities. It is the same amount of money that the Keewatin people are trying to discuss. They do not want any more money. It is the same thing as the five-year capital plan in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay. It is the same thing. There is no more money and we are just playing with the limited amount of money which is coming into our communities. That is all it is. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Barnabas.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, then how come the Keewatin Pilot Project is starting when there is no money?