Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, an important event is happening at the present time in Iqaluit. The community is holding a community wellness conference. Workshops on topics like communication skills, sexual abuse, parenting skills, suicide, traditional Inuit healing practices, smoking, elders' issues and mental health are just some of the topics being discussed. Phyllis Chelsey from the Alkali Lake Indian Band will be one of the keynote speakers. The conference is being co-chaired by Mayor Joe Kunuk and Lena Evic Twerdin.

Mr. Speaker, this conference is part and parcel of the type of activity envisioned when the GNWT announced the community wellness strategy. Community wellness, to me, means taking control of our lives and social conditions at the community level. We have to build bridges and support mechanisms between cultures and economic conditions. We have to base the strengths of the community and balance these against the undercurrents of helplessness that have permeated through our communities.

Mr. Speaker, this conference in Iqaluit will build on the pride that has been evident in our community over the past several months. I congratulate the organizers, participants and volunteers who have made this event possible.

I will not be in the House tomorrow as I will be travelling to Iqaluit with Mr. Todd. I will be participating in a panel discussion on community wellness this weekend and, of course, will be hosting Mr. Todd. I am looking forward to participating with the guests and participants of the community wellness strategy and, of course, playing host to Mr. Todd, who will be much in evidence and in the spotlight this weekend in Iqaluit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.