Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the recent outbreak of the RSV virus in the Keewatin region. While this virus has affected many communities in our region, none have been as seriously affected as my home community of Arviat. Mr. Speaker, there have been over 50 known cases of this virus in Arviat; approximately 50 per cent of those children had to be medevaced to hospitals in the South. The RSV virus attacks the respiratory system and is extremely dangerous to children under the age of two. I regret to inform you, Mr. Speaker, that, to date, two small infants from Arviat have died from this virus.
Mr. Speaker, aside from the tremendous human cost resulting from the spread of this virus, it also highlighted many of the underlying social and economic problems that communities such as Arviat and Baker Lake must deal with, such as the rapidly expanding population that is placing tremendous strain on both their health and social safety net; unemployment levels are by far the highest in the country; and a chronic shortage of housing that has resulted in severe overcrowding. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these problems will only increase until dramatic action is taken and comprehensive strategies developed to deal with them.
For the past six months, we have spoken a great deal in the House about deficit management and the need to balance the budget. These are extremely important issues and I believe this House must address them as a priority. However, I am concerned that we are driven by deficit management to the detriment of dealing with the human issues facing our communities. I was pleased to hear the Premier's announcement that he was establishing an Advisory Council on the Economy and Employment, inviting business people from across the North to provide advice on these important issues. The business community will bring an important perspective to our discussions on these matters.
Equally important, Mr. Speaker, is that these issues be given the same emphasis by Members of this House. We must play an important role in the debate and development of strategies that will adequately deal with the tremendous social and economic problems facing our communities. In my view, aside from dealing with our fiscal difficulties ... Mr. Speaker, I ask for consent to continue my statement.