Madam Speaker, the Minister did not answer my question. Would it make sense, since the aboriginal communities know best how the money should be spent, that the control and contributions should be coming from aboriginal organizations, rather than the bureaucrats who are living in Yellowknife so that the contributions are similar to that of French community contributions? Thank you.

Madam Speaker, thank you. Would it make sense, since the French association administers the community contributions for French programs and enhancement, that aboriginal contributions be administered by aboriginal associations rather than bureaucrats who are based in Yellowknife? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To the same Minister, with regard to the language agreement. I understand that the community contributions for aboriginal people is administered by this government, whereas the French community contributions are administered by the Francophone Association. Is that true?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today, I would like to make a Member's statement on government negotiated contracts, specifically in my community of Pond Inlet. Pond Inlet had a chance to experience one of the first negotiated contracts. I would like to report that, although this was a relatively small contract that was negotiated between the co-op of Pond Inlet, Qillaut Development, and Merkosak Construction, well over 100 people are employed right now in Pond Inlet.

I would like to commend this initiative taken up by government, and especially the Minister of Housing for his ability to foresee that negotiated contracts will work in smaller communities. We have had numerous contracts in the community, but they are given to outside contractors who only employ three or four local people. At the present time, because of this negotiated contract and also because of the cooperative effort of the co-op, Qillaut Development and Merkosak Construction, we are able to see well over 100 people employed in the community. For that, I would like to thank the government. I hope this will continue in the future. Thank you.

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Thank you, Madam Speaker. How many of these abattoirs and meat processing plants in the NWT are funded in whole, or in part, by Economic Development and Tourism? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The key to operating meat processing plants is a high quality consistent supply of meat. Can the Minister identify where there are abattoirs in the NWT?

Thank you. Since the responsibility to assist these people to come up with the facilities lies with Economic Development, would the Minister tell me which communities in the NWT currently have meat processing plants? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Economic Development. The government has always emphasized the importance of the renewable resource sector of the economy. As most of us said before, the north is capable, with the right facilities, of producing significant quantities of wild meat for sale in the NWT and outside markets. An important part of this is determining what facilities are needed and what locations to have the most efficient production. Is it part of the Development Corporation's mandate to support communities in looking at these options? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good afternoon. Madam Speaker, I have just returned from Iqaluit where I, along with several MLAs from the Baffin region, attended a memorial service for eight men who lost their lives in a tragic boating accident in Frobisher Bay last week.

Madam Speaker, it was a time of great sorrow as we joined with families and friends in mourning the loss of their individuals. As with any tragedy, Madam Speaker, there is also a brighter side that can be seen through the sadness and sense of loss. During this past week, the entire region was touched by an incredible sense of unity; as people searched together, played together, rejoiced together and mourned together.

This ability of Inuit to bind together in good times and in troubled times has been what has allowed us to survive as people for many generations. I hope this tradition continues well into the future. The ability to work together, especially to deal with difficult issues.

I would like to thank the people of Iqaluit for their comfort and generosity during my stay. I would like to thank the people from all over the Baffin region who came to Iqaluit to support families and friends of eight hunters. I would also like to thank the people from Ivujivik, Northern Quebec, who came to help as well. I would also like to thank those who could not physically be there, but who offered their prayers and support.

Madam Speaker, although the search has ended and the memorial service is concluded, I would encourage the people of Nunavut, Ivujivik and the entire NWT to continue to support the families of those hunters, since the healing process has just begun. Thank you.