(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to raise an issue that is very important to people of my constituency. Electoral boundaries for Nunavut. The report of Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission was tabled in the House yesterday. I would like to express my appreciation to the commission for their hard work.
Early on in the process, Nunavut leaders recommended 20 to 22 seats for a Nunavut government. As I outlined in my verbal submission to the commission, I believe that 17 seats for the Nunavut government, as outlined in the report, is a more realistic number. This recommendation is more cost-effective and still provides constituents with the representation they deserve.
Mr. Speaker, I have consulted with my constituents extensively on this issue. Kimmirut and Cape Dorset are in general agreement with the recommended Model C which keeps these two communities together.
These communities share the same culture, dialect and have close family ties. A shared riding makes sense and I agree. However, the residents of Sanikiluaq expressed a resounding no to being grouped with Whale Cove in a shared riding.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Sanikiluaq is in a unique position. It is geographically remote from all other communities of Nunavut. Scheduled airline flights are difficult, if not impossible. Many of the family and cultural connections are with the Inuit of Quebec, not Whale Cove. Mr. Speaker, this is not a rejection of Whale Cove by Sanikiluaq residents, but simply a desire by Sanikiluaq residents to have their unique situation recognized in a separate riding (Translation ends).
I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement.