Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my view, aside from dealing with our fiscal difficulties, this is the single most important issue that this Assembly faces. In essence, what steps should we take to improve the social and economic conditions in our communities across the North?

Mr. Speaker, I note that these issues were addressed by the Special Committee on the Northern Economy during the 11th Assembly. It is my view that we must pick up where this committee left off. I believe a committee of this House should be struck to deal with the pressing social and economic issues that we face. The committee should work in conjunction with the work of the Premier's advisory council, to develop strategies that will address these problems.

While I recognize that in these times of fiscal restraint we must ensure that expenditures are kept at a minimum, we must also recognize that to make no investment in finding solutions to these problems will only cost the government more in the long term.

Mr. Speaker, before I conclude my statement, I would like to ask the Members of this House to join me in thanking the many people of Arviat for their efforts in trying to deal with this situation in the community. In particular, I would like to publicly thank the nurses and other staff members at the nursing station who put in countless hours to deal with this illness under very stressful and trying circumstances.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the recent outbreak of the RSV virus in the Keewatin region. While this virus has affected many communities in our region, none have been as seriously affected as my home community of Arviat. Mr. Speaker, there have been over 50 known cases of this virus in Arviat; approximately 50 per cent of those children had to be medevaced to hospitals in the South. The RSV virus attacks the respiratory system and is extremely dangerous to children under the age of two. I regret to inform you, Mr. Speaker, that, to date, two small infants from Arviat have died from this virus.

Mr. Speaker, aside from the tremendous human cost resulting from the spread of this virus, it also highlighted many of the underlying social and economic problems that communities such as Arviat and Baker Lake must deal with, such as the rapidly expanding population that is placing tremendous strain on both their health and social safety net; unemployment levels are by far the highest in the country; and a chronic shortage of housing that has resulted in severe overcrowding. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these problems will only increase until dramatic action is taken and comprehensive strategies developed to deal with them.

For the past six months, we have spoken a great deal in the House about deficit management and the need to balance the budget. These are extremely important issues and I believe this House must address them as a priority. However, I am concerned that we are driven by deficit management to the detriment of dealing with the human issues facing our communities. I was pleased to hear the Premier's announcement that he was establishing an Advisory Council on the Economy and Employment, inviting business people from across the North to provide advice on these important issues. The business community will bring an important perspective to our discussions on these matters.

Equally important, Mr. Speaker, is that these issues be given the same emphasis by Members of this House. We must play an important role in the debate and development of strategies that will adequately deal with the tremendous social and economic problems facing our communities. In my view, aside from dealing with our fiscal difficulties ... Mr. Speaker, I ask for consent to continue my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I'm not overly pleased with the rapid speed of this process but I'd have to say, in general, that I do support the bill, the amendment, although I'm not totally pleased or happy with it. Mr. Chairman, this amendment will affect my family, friends, and many of my constituents. I have said on many occasions that my real concern is the unemployed, the less fortunate,

and, of course, our elders. Mr. Chairman, the riding of Arviat and Baker Lake, which I represent, is approximately 65 per cent unemployed. I would be very concerned if the monies that we were looking for had to come out of the social programs that would directly affect these individuals. Having said that, Mr. Chairman, it shouldn't be too difficult to understand why I would have to support this amendment. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can we, therefore, assume that the Department of Transportation or the government is not involved in the negotiations to purchase Canarctic? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Transportation. In view of the recent press that Canarctic Shipping has received, can the Minister please advise this House as to the present relationship that this company has with the Department of Transportation, if indeed there is a relationship? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Public Works and it relates to my

Member's statement. Mr. Speaker, could the honourable Minister please confirm to this House the revised completion time frame for the Rankin Inlet tank farm project? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, plans to change the resupply operations in the Keewatin region have been under development for the past three years. While we all agree with the need to be as efficient as possible in all government departments, including resupply, there have been a number of concerns about the government's plan to start using Rankin Inlet as a hub for fuel resupply in the Keewatin. Mr. Speaker, in response to these concerns, the Minister of Transportation and Public Works provided a briefing in Caucus this morning on resupply operations, specifically on the proposed changes in the Keewatin resupply. I would like to

thank the Minister and their staff for providing us with the detailed information on this important subject.

However, I still have some concerns in this area, Mr. Speaker. One major example is the issue of anticipated cost-savings on using Rankin Inlet as a hub for fuel resupply in the Keewatin. Mr. Speaker, when the option was first proposed, I understood the government expects to save $1.8 million per year. However, I understand the figures have changed and we are now looking at a savings of approximately $600,000 per year.

Mr. Speaker, I think we all need time to digest the information provided to us before we proceed with such a large and important project. I appreciate the assurances received from the Minister that due to other circumstances, the project will not be going ahead in time to meet the summer of 1997 deadline.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure all the Members of the House will be able to take the extra time now available to ensure that this project receives the full and careful consideration that it deserves. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the postponement of the Nunavut Leaders' Summit in Arviat, do we yet have a firm date as to when the federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs will travel north? If not, when can we expect a confirmation of this date as this is a very critical meeting. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in view of this urgent situation, can the Minister tell me if any additional assistance has been provided to the health centre? If not, could you look into this matter? Thank you.