(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, I would like to thank the Minister of Economic Development. We have worked very well with him with regard to economic development in my region, especially in Cape Dorset and Lake Harbour. I would like to thank him very much, and commend him as a Minister that he has helped us in my region very well.
Dennis stated earlier, the Baffin fisheries are concerned. I have also visited them with regard to economic development in my region. I have seen a lot of very good initiatives started by the Economic Development people. But, there are some concerns with the fact that if there are too many government subsidies at one time, it might come down. But at this time, it's moving along smoothly.
As well, I have heard about this concern in Iqaluit. But I haven't heard people expressing concern in Lake Harbour or Cape Dorset. They are trying to get some control over economic development prospects in their region, too. I know that other communities are interested in developing fisheries. That's the first part I would like to commend the Minister of Economic Development for that purpose.
We already know in the past that the communities were not aware of what was possible in the way of economic development in their region. Now, people are starting to realize that they are capable of making their own viable economy in their own region. The fact that people are aware -- in every community I'm sure there is not an economic development officer -- but people seem to be more enthusiastic towards the possibilities in their own region. For that purpose, I would like the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism to tell me if there are economic development officers in every region. That helps out in making people realize they are capable of independent planning on economic development issues. Maybe it is not so much of a concern in larger communities, but in smaller communities having jobs and economic possibilities is a concern. The education part of economic development possibilities is very important in smaller communities so they can start depending on their own resources and know how to operate a business viably and to operate industries in a viable fashion. People who are working for themselves, the cottage industry part of the economy, as well as working on tourism and training host communities where there are parks.
In Pangnirtung, there has been a visitors' centre for a long time. Could we possibly find out how we can acquire a visitors' centre the same way Pangnirtung has? This is with regard to my own region. Have you made any plans to set up a visitors' centre? Do we have to have cooperation from other communities to have a visitors' centre in our region? Not necessarily the same way other communities have them, but have them made for local parks areas where people visit and have information available to them in the region. I am probably talking too much. Those are some of the areas I would like to have answers to. I haven't read all of the economic development possibilities. Are there other things we can look forward to in our region for economic development purposes? Not just the tourism aspect, but the educational part of the development. Is there anything being planned for the communities or the public on how they can acquire
applications for funding from different sources? Can there be a public education program? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.