Thank you, Madam Minister. Members of the House, there have been a lot of questions asked as to who the visitors in the gallery are, and I want to take a moment here to recognize in our gallery today a very distinguished group. The Chair would like to recognize the Heads of Missions, who are participating in a tour of northern Canada for the next week. The group includes ambassadors and high commissioners from 20 different countries. They are accompanied by staff members from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, and Parks Canada.

They begin their seven-day tour of the North today in Yellowknife. They will visit the Ekati Mine, Whitehorse, Dawson City, Old Crow, Inuvik, Baker Lake, Resolute, Nunakput and Iqaluit. I would like to say welcome to the Assembly, special visitors.

-- Applause

Thank you for your indulgence, Members. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.