Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday in my statement in the House, I mentioned that the Dogrib Treaty 11 Comprehensive Claim negotiations are in the final stages. An important part of this comprehensive land claim agreement is that it includes land claim and self-government matters.

One area that needs to be addressed between the government and the Dogrib Community Services Board is the issue of medical travel. Right now, the Stanton Regional Health Board is preparing a contract for transportation of patients from Rae to Stanton, Providence to Stanton and for patients within Yellowknife.

I can certainly understand the Stanton Regional Health Board issuing a contract for medical travel for patients in Yellowknife. However, I cannot understand why the same contractor would be responsible for providing transportation services to Rae.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister responsible for Health and Social Services tell me whether the Dogrib Community Services Board was consulted as to their wishes for medical travel to and from Rae?