Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government recognizes the need to adjust food allowances in a manner that reflects local realities and keeps pace with the changing economy.

Because of this, the budget available for the Department of Social Services' social assistance food allowance has been increased by over $2 million in the past 18 months.

Members will recall that in April of 1992, there was a five per cent increase in the food allowance. The increase resulted in additional expenditures of about $400,000 per year.

In October of this year, the food scales and food allowance rates were changed based on the results of the most recent food costs survey conducted in cooperation with the Bureau of Statistics. The recent increases are expected to result in additional expenditures of $1.6 million. For a family of four, the changes will mean increases of up to $280 per month.

Mr. Speaker, the changes are responsive to the needs of people who are not able to provide basic levels of subsistence for themselves or their families. The cost of food in communities throughout the territories will continue to be monitored in order to make sure that the allowances reflect changes that take place in local, regional and territorial economies. Qujannamiik.

---Applause