Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my view, aside from dealing with our fiscal difficulties, this is the single most important issue that this Assembly faces. In essence, what steps should we take to improve the social and economic conditions in our communities across the North?

Mr. Speaker, I note that these issues were addressed by the Special Committee on the Northern Economy during the 11th Assembly. It is my view that we must pick up where this committee left off. I believe a committee of this House should be struck to deal with the pressing social and economic issues that we face. The committee should work in conjunction with the work of the Premier's advisory council, to develop strategies that will address these problems.

While I recognize that in these times of fiscal restraint we must ensure that expenditures are kept at a minimum, we must also recognize that to make no investment in finding solutions to these problems will only cost the government more in the long term.

Mr. Speaker, before I conclude my statement, I would like to ask the Members of this House to join me in thanking the many people of Arviat for their efforts in trying to deal with this situation in the community. In particular, I would like to publicly thank the nurses and other staff members at the nursing station who put in countless hours to deal with this illness under very stressful and trying circumstances.