Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since my colleague for Hay River North does not have eyes in the back of his head, he does not see one of his favourite constituents in the gallery, Joe McBryan, but he is from Hay River North.

-- Applause

He probably does not recognize him by his real name. He probably calls him Buffalo Joe. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Kakfwi.

Mr. Speaker, I would just like to welcome everybody and recognize every member of the public who have taken time to make sure they are available to watch us in the conduct of our duties today. Thank you very much for coming. Mahsi.

-- Applause

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize former Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner, the Honourable Dan Marion.

-- Applause

Any further recognition of visitors in the gallery? As a Member for Kam Lake, I would like to recognize a constituent and former member of the CBC, Ms. Patricia Russell.

-- Applause

No further recognitions of visitors in the gallery? I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the Members to thank you for coming to the Assembly. Just a reminder that we are open everyday from 1:30 to 6:00. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. It is regarding the long-awaited decision for the Fort McPherson water treatment improvement system to be enacted. It was supposed to be completed in July, yet the snow is falling, the ferries have been pulled out and the rivers are freezing. I would like to ask the Minister exactly what date does he have for final conclusion of the water project in Fort McPherson so we can have some safe drinking water?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am pleased to provide the Member with the details. We are fairly confident that the new water system will be in effect, operational at the end of November. I hope there are no further delays. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister Allen. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me what action is being taken by his department to ensure that the THM contamination at the treatment plant that presently exists, what is the department doing to ensure the public that treatment would be flushed out or cleared or before any new water is provided to that treatment facility?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I understand that all the preliminary work has been completed here. I am not sure at what stage it is at the moment, but from my understanding and with the knowledge from the department, all work-related plans are being conformed with. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me if they have informed the residents of Fort McPherson that they will also have to take action to clean out their existing water tanks in their homes so that they are not contaminated?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will ensure that the department informs all residents that one of the first steps will be to clean out their own water tanks. If there is any assistance required, we will then work with the Departments of Health and Social Services and Public Works and Services to put out a communication strategy that would address that key question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell me exactly when did he intend to carry out this activity? Is it going to be before or after the new facility has come on-line?

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would suggest that we develop a communication strategy that would permit a brief transition period where we would be able to commission the water supply and, in between, have the houses drain all their water tanks, do the tank cleaning and then we will be able to begin to deliver fresh new water sources to the residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for North Slave, Mr. Lafferty.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, Mr. Allen.