Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make comment on an interview I did yesterday with CBC Radio. During the interview, I was told that there was information given that Inuvik had taken 11 percent reduction, the highest of all the other communities that were mentioned. It threw me off during the interview, and at the same time they asked how would I defend this.

I replied that I do not believe it is my job to defend the reductions that are coming by this government. I agree I take part in committees, and I put forward suggestions in the committees that I sit on, but if those are not accepted as options, then I have no recourse but not to buy into what is being put forward. I told them it was my job to make sure, as I have said here in the house many times, that fairness needed to be looked at. That we need to deal with communities in a fair and equitable manner.

-- Applause

As I said, with great interest I would see how this budget unfolded. I do not know where this information of the 11 percent came in, but I intend to try and find this out, because no doubt, as the people of Inuvik heard that interview, they are probably wondering why is this happening for the second year in a row? Later on, Mr. Speaker, I will be questioning the appropriate Minister on this information. Thank you.