(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to speak today on a subject that is both heavy and painful to many people in the Arctic. It has to do with child sexual abuse.

We are all aware, through media reports and statistics, that child sexual abuse is a major problem up here. I appreciate the work and courage of those who are trying to deal with the problems. I know it requires a lot of energy and causes much personal stress. We cannot ignore the issue, Madam Speaker, no matter how difficult and painful it is.

Some years ago there was a teacher in Resolute Bay who none of the parents suspected of doing anything wrong. We would not be aware today if the children did not tell us themselves what he was doing. Apparently, Madam Speaker, this teacher was, among other things, making the young children undress while taking pornographic pictures of them. I do not know what he did with the pictures, but to this day his actions have had a lasting effect on these children. The victims, who are now young adults, still feel the confusion, shame and pain. This, of course, has also affected their families in a negative way.

The reasons I am saying this is to ensure that we are doing everything possible to counsel and help the victims. We are all aware that child sexual abuse cannot treat itself if the vicious circle is not stopped.

I would like to put the Minister of Social Services on notice that I will be asking her questions later on this week to see if her department is doing everything possible to help victims of child sexual abuse. Thank you.