Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On my recent trip to attend the Beaufort-Delta interim regional council meeting in Inuvik, I was approached by a resident of Paulatuk who was very concerned about the possible closure of the community freezer. I also heard the same concern from two other residents in Paulatuk.

Mr. Speaker, my understanding is that community freezers were installed about 20 years ago to help small communities store their fish and game hygienically and to ensure that a supply was always available when game was scarce.

Public Works and Government Services used to fund the core maintenance of the community freezer program. This program was transferred to RWED in 1996. In 1999, RWED turned over the money to the communities in the form of block funding. Mr. Speaker, the community freezer in Paulatuk is being heavily used by the residents of Paulatuk according to the information supplied by my constituents. Community freezers are a vital component in a small community for preserving their fish and game. The most recent concern raised by my constituent is that RWED is considering not funding the community freezer in Paulatuk. This individual indicated that to maintain the community freezer, it would cost about $17,000 a year, money that the community of Paulatuk or its residents do not have readily available.

Mr. Speaker, Paulatuk residents see the community freezer as a valuable resource for preserving their fish and game. Surely RWED can accommodate a request of just $17,000 a year for the maintenance of the community freezer in Paulatuk. RWED should reconsider assisting Paulatuk, as well as Holman and Sachs if required, in funding this program.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will ask the appropriate Minister questions on the funding of the community freezer program in Paulatuk. Thank you.

---Applause