Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we have formulated some approach already to our review of the existing programs. It is not a new initiative. It is not a new thrust, which would be different. I think if we had a total new thrust, total new programs, and then take it to the table with a lot of people.

However, I think that we need to move forward with some of the areas that we have looked at and have almost come to a conclusion on. We need to introduce that, Mr. Speaker, because as I mentioned to Mr. Braden, the honourable Member for Great Slave, we will continue to receive feedback and we want to get feedback and this conference will be a great area. However, to get specific about individual programs may be very difficult.

I would depend very much on some of my Cabinet colleagues because the agenda may not fit in totally with specific small items like that and they are not small in terms of the public out there, but I want to institute those changes as quickly as possible. I think that is important, then additionally get feedback. We will look at programs throughout the years. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated in my Member's statement, the campground south of Enterprise at Escarpment Creek had been closed to the public last summer. Apparently, it is closed again this year. It has been brought to my attention by a number of residents in Hay River.

I was wondering if the Minister could explain to us why this campground is closed to the public? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The campground that the Member is referring to was closed last year while some of the facilities were under construction. The construction continues this year and while it is under construction, it is not wise to have campers go in there because of liability issues. So construction, which is mainly washroom facilities or bathrooms and a new bridge and fence, will be completed some time in July. At that time, the campground will open again. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What would be the difference in this project now, with construction going on there, than it was with, say, Alexander Falls and Louise Falls? When the construction was going on there, those were not closed to the public at that time. I remember going there myself when the construction was going on. What makes this one different? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have not personally been to the campground myself, but I believe the issue here is primarily around the bridge and the fencing. It is a safety issue if campers go in while it is under construction and an accident should occur. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the residents have been using that campground for a number of years now and where the bridge would be, I do not see any safety issue. However, I was wondering if the Minister could check. That whole area has been revised many times. I do not recall of any incidents ever happening there and the safety issue. Would the Minister have any incidents that have happened there that would have caused a safety issue?

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, no, I am not familiar with any incidents that have happened there. I know that the construction is going on today as we speak. The workers will get it completed as quickly as possible. I will check to see whether it could be opened earlier, but I am not sure what the advice would be at this time. However, I will check into it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Your final short supplementary, Mr. Delorey.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If where they are putting a bridge or the danger area can be sectioned off, would the Minister guarantee that he will check to see that the camping areas can be opened up? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Handley.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. If the area under construction can be secured against people going in there, then there is probably no reason why it could not be opened up. I will check with the department on that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Ms. Lee.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today goes to the Minister of Finance, and it is in regard to the high cost of fuel.

Mr. Speaker, as we recall, the end of last session was taken up largely by discussions about the fuel rebate program. After the session ended, I had numerous e-mails and calls from people who found out they could not qualify for this program.

I was wondering, Mr. Speaker, if the Minister had a time to review the program and tell us how much was given out under that program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I do not have information on the exact amount that was spent on it. That was a program that was managed through the Housing Corporation, so I do not have that information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Ms. Lee.

Mr. Speaker, then may I ask, as the Minister of Finance, whether or not he is planning on introducing any other programs that could alleviate the high cost of fuel and gas and energy and power and everything else that we have? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Finance, Mr. Handley.