Qujannamiik. ...especially those with big families, to afford to take vacations. My constituent believes that the chance to travel beyond our isolated communities helps our children to start thinking about making lifestyle choices such as going on to school or working outside their home community. My constituent tells me that the front line workers see the recent changes as being targeted against workers in isolated communities with big families. On top of that, my constituent says the government wants to go ahead with all kinds of community initiatives. Communities want to do more, but it seems to my constituent that the government has just come along and banged each employee hard on the head and said, we're going to make this hard and hurtful for you, so when we give you something, you can then appreciate how good we are. With no wage increases in the last four years and huge housing increases, the government still seems to blame the government workers for their troubles.
We government workers care about one another. My constituent says that she would not leave because of money issues and most are not working just for the pay and benefits. But they are now feeling that their pride and self esteem has been taken away as well. That, she says, is unforgivable. I hope I make some sense, she told me. This is how my constituents are feeling these days, Mr. Speaker. I believe it is part of my job to convey their fears and confusion and anger to all Members of this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause