Mr. Speaker, that's an interesting question and I would say and restate that I am certainly wiling to come to the Member's riding and sit down and better understand the needs of the community as it relates to this piece of infrastructure. We can talk about what it actually costs to run. I would like to see it. Obviously we have concerns about the health risk. We have talked in past about liability. Internally in the department we have had discussions about that. That is becoming more and more of a concern for public governments. I know our Department of Finance risk management division have advised us on several cases. I can't speak specifically to this one, but in other cases there are liabilities that potentially would prohibit us from feeling comfortable with an arrangement of this nature. The earlier point about a contract, stating that that allowed us to be outside of any obligation or liability, there are concerns about any party's ability to contract out of obligations and liabilities. So there were a number of concerns around this. The short answer is I think it would be more appropriate if I sat down with the community and we met and discussed options. As I have said, the preferred option is not to keep this piece of equipment running, and we have made offers to all members of a community who need them of chest freezers at no charge, I would add, Mr. Speaker.
Brendan Bell on Question 150-15(3): Community Freezers In Paulatuk And Holman
In the Legislative Assembly on May 27th, 2004. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 150-15(3): Community Freezers In Paulatuk And Holman
Question 150-15(3): Community Freezers In Paulatuk And Holman
Item 7: Oral Questions
May 26th, 2004
Page 573
See context to find out what was said next.