Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when the news hit the airways about a possible $6 million reduction in the Inuvik Health Board budget, there was much concern being raised from the people of Inuvik.
Mr. Speaker, if this were to go through, it would absolutely devastate the Inuvik region. I think we as legislators, are aware of the burden all northern communities face when it comes to the health of our constituents. We are also aware of the high costs of providing care to the people who are entitled to it here in the north.
It is with this that I say that we must measure adequacy of service, not funding allocations to health boards. This is the message that I share with both the Minister of Health and Social Services and the Minister of Finance. I would like to thank both of them for meeting with me and allowing me to raise the concerns of the Inuvik residents through them. I am thankful for the news that the Inuvik Regional Health Board will not be receiving a reduction in its budget.
Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I thank any Minister for their work in helping the community of Inuvik out. It has, however, been only a brief break in the many dark days Inuvik has faced todate. And I look forward to a more positive message being sent out to the residents of Inuvik and those of the Northwest Territories, and until I start receiving more of this positive news, I will be defending the interests of the Inuvik residents.