Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As per my Member's statement, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for the environment, Mr. Kakfwi. What ongoing efforts has the government undertaken to aid the reduction of global warming at regional, national and international levels? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in 1997, the final report of the Mackenzie Basin Impact Study concluded that the plant and animal life, lakes and rivers, forest industry and communities across the north will face drastic changes in upcoming years if steps are not taken to reduce the effects of global warming. The negative effects of the greenhouse effect are more evident where temperatures have been rising. For example, frozen soil or permafrost is starting to melt or weaken in many areas. As a result the surface becomes softer and if there is infrastructure such as roads or buildings on top of it, the consequences can be very real. Roads may collapse, buildings and homes will start to sink. As we all are aware, barges are a cost-effective form of resupply that may be compromised. The number of forest fires in the west may most likely increase and drought may also result from low lake levels. This is just the beginning.

With significant changes in the weather in such a short period, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut need to take preventative and coordinated action at national and international levels to reduce the potential consequences arising from global warming. Unfortunately, according to the aforementioned report, initiatives at the local level may most likely compromise little.

Mr. Speaker, there is a need to make an effective and concentrated effort by both territorial governments and the federal government to bring attention to this impact and important issues that affect all of us. Increased attention and efforts at all levels is needed for the effective strategy to stem the damage from global warming. Mr. Speaker, this statement I make today also reflects the studies that have been done in the high Arctic in my riding, which are affecting the global warming, and the studies will be used to find out if the global warming is really happening. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the person who goes to work for a day and got seriously injured, would he be compensated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, does the person have to work several weeks in order to be compensated? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question will be directed to the Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board. What is the requirement for a person to be compensated if injured? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

(Translation)Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am raising an issue of the question that has been raised to me. I have been talking with the hamlets in my constituency and I would like some clarification regarding the sewage system. I would like to know if the Minister of MACA.....GNWT has been taking off so much percentage and 25 percent have been taken off in some of these, so I would like some clarification from the Minister of MACA, regarding these issues. Thank you. (Translation ends.)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share an incident that happened in Arctic Bay regarding a child who was saved by a brave constituent. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 14, 1998, a foster child of Leah and Joseph Okdalak was playing on the ice patches in Arctic Bay. Ililuaq Pudlat, age 11 years old, fell into the freezing water approximately 7:40 p.m. and could not get back on the patch of ice. When Ikiluaq yelled for help, my wife and her brother, Jayko Tatatuapik, heard him and immediately tried to help him out, but they had a very difficult time so they yelled for help.

Mr. Matthew Taqtu was working beside his house and noticed the incident. He took a rope and went to assist them. Mr. Taqtu threw the rope to the child. Because of the freezing cold water, the child lost his strength and was unable to reach the rope, which was thrown to him by Mr. Taqtu. Mr. Taqtu could not reach the child, so he tied the rope around his waist and jumped into the water and saved the child. Mr. Speaker, if had not been for Mr. Taqtu's quick actions, the child would not be alive today. Because of this act of courage and bravery, I would like to nominate Mr. Taqtu to receive the Commissioner's Award and I would like to thank him personally. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to table a document that was received by me from the Department of MACA dated November 17, 1998. It refers to the condition of the office space that I mentioned in my Member's statement and question. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last year I made a statement on the condition of an office building in Grise Fiord and, to date, I still have not received any response from the Department of MACA whether it is going to be renovated or if there is any funding available to it. Could the Minister of MACA update me as to what is happening with this building? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.