(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during my election campaign, one of the main concerns I heard many times from my constituents had to do with regularly-scheduled air transport, or lack of it, between the communities of Repulse Bay, Igloolik and Pelly Bay. For instance, if one wishes to travel to Repulse Bay from other communities, they have to stop in Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield and Coral Harbour or even Iqaluit on most schedules. Currently, there are three airlines that serve the Keewatin and Kitikmeot areas: Calm Air; Skyward; and, First Air. None of them make direct flights between Repulse Bay, Pelly Bay and Igloolik. The people I represent have strongly voiced to me their wish to have more direct flights provided between the communities I mentioned. These, traditionally, have been closely-connected communities through intermarriages and family lines.

The present schedule makes it difficult to travel back and forth among their relatives and friends. Mr. Speaker, I believe that if there were direct flights between these communities, they would be well used. This could provide healthy and much-needed competition, it would also save a lot of time, trouble and expense for my constituents.

I would suggest that flights could ideally be set up so that people could conveniently make visits and return home without having to make them travel a long way there and back. I will have more direct questions to the appropriate Minister later on in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.