Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister can understand, this issue is of great concern to the communities of Arviat and Baker Lake, who have long supported Nunavut and the establishment of a government that better serves their interest.

After the government's initial review of the details of the Minister's report, can the Minister inform us whether his analysis shows that the funding is sufficient to provide a decentralized government that will serve all communities of Nunavut and not simply the capital? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the recent announcement by the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development concerning funding for Nunavut has raised many questions about the organizational structure of the new Nunavut government. The NIC has recommended a decentralized government that will ensure that all functions of government and the jobs associated with those functions are spread amongst the communities in Nunavut. While my constituents were pleased to hear Mr. Irwin endorse a decentralized government for Nunavut, they are somewhat concerned about the level of funding that has been established. My question is to the Minister of Finance, in his role as chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Divisio. Could the Minister inform this House whether this government has taken position in support of decentralized government to Nunavut?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a well-known singer/song writer from Arviat, Mr. Paul K. Irksuk, and also a good friend of mine. Thank you.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Actually, all I was asking for was consideration. I realize that the Minister can't make a commitment here today. He may want to give some consideration to the old adage: "Build it and they will come." All I'm asking for is consideration in the future. Whether the programs come from the East or the West, it's immaterial to us in Arviat and Baker Lake. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would still like to make a comment on -- excuse me, Mr. Picco -- the Arctic College programs regarding the distribution to Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay. I really don't have a problem with this and I know my good friend, Mr. Picco, does and if I were in his shoes, I would too. Will the Minister give some consideration to moving future programs to some of the have-not communities, like Arviat and Baker Lake, with a 60 per cent unemployment rate? Would the Minister give some consideration in the future to moving some of these programs, whether they be from Mr. Picco's campus or from the Western campus, to Arviat or Baker Lake? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Finance, Minister Todd. Can you explain to this House why we have been hearing figures of $150 million, $120 million, $117 million, for Nunavut's incremental funding, as it relates to Minister Irwin's press release of last week? Can we have a breakdown of exactly how this money is going to be divided? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Picco.

--- Laughter

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Renewable Resources will also be conducting a full review and evaluation of the industry when the trapping season ends this year.

In addition, the Minister's department is planning a series of community workshops on wolf-pelt preparation in the Keewatin region this fall. Mr. Speaker, during these days when cutbacks and limited resources are foremost in everyone's mind, it is refreshing to my constituents in Arviat and Baker Lake to hear such encouraging news.

Minister Kakfwi is to be congratulated, first, for listening to the very real concerns expressed by the hunters and, second, for approaching this matter with a degree of optimism. Mr. Speaker, the Minister's approach to this matter reminded me of the definition of an optimist. An optimist is a person who is treed by a bear and enjoys the view.

So on behalf of the harvesters, I would like to thank the honourable Minister for being able to keep the relatively little guys like hunters and trappers in his range of vision as he views the general direction of his departments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Matna. Mahsi cho.

--- Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the hunters and trappers in the Kivallivik region were very disappointed that the government had eliminated the subsidy previously paid for wolf pelts.

As we all know, wolf harvesting is hardly a multi-million dollar industry in our region at the best of times. This decision caused great concern for my communities. As a result, I have had several subsequent discussions with Minister Kakfwi concerning this matter on behalf of my constituents.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to confirm that Minister Kakfwi advised me that his department will be providing a supplementary payment to wolf harvesters for the 1995-96 season.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your understanding. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce some of the business people from Baker Lake who are here today in the flesh: Mr. Bogus Zybe, Mr. Al Lehuer, Mr. David Simailak and the newly-elected president of the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Glen McLean.

--- Applause