(Translation) Good morning, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to announce that I just came back from an economic meeting in Rankin Inlet sponsored by Nunavut Tunngavik, as well as the Government of the Northwest Territories. (Translation ends)
The conference was an astounding success. Over 200 delegates attended from all walks of life: there were young people making contributions to the conference; elders speaking their own native tongue making contributions; representatives of women's groups; church groups; small businesses from the communities and regions; and, multinational corporations such as mining companies, airlines and banks. Throughout the week, the meeting rooms were filled with positive energy. Everyone had something worthwhile to contribute whether they were an elder, a student or a community leader.
During the week, we worked together to develop a plan for achieving economic stability in Nunavut. Although the conference's major theme was economy, several issues were identified that we as Inuit, or the population of Nunavut, will have to overcome in order to make ourselves economically viable and stable. For example, Madam Speaker, we could have the most solid financial plan for Nunavut, a solid educational strategy and a solid transportation strategy and if we don't deal with the social problems such as substance abuse, family violence, sexual abuse and social breakdown, we will be no further ahead.
We have started talking about these issues and we must continue...Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.