Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My colleagues and I have given the highest priority to ensuring that division occurs as smoothly as possible and have devoted a great deal of time and energy on this issue. I strongly believe that this effort is imperative to ensure that the interests of all residents are met in the creation of two new territories. I also believe it is important to step back occasionally and to listen to what other issues our constituents consider important. Mr. Speaker, recently my constituents have reminded me of what those issues are. In recent constituency meetings and most recently during a phone-in show I conducted in Cape Dorset yesterday evening, I asked them what the most important issue was to them. What is the one issue that concerns them the most in their lives?

I heard people saying it was the daily struggle of keeping their families and paying bills is the most pressing issue. The high cost of living, the lack of jobs particularly in the eastern Arctic was by far the most important issue to them. This is the same thing in three communities that I represent, in Cape Dorset, Kimmirut and Sanikiluaq. With unemployment problems and families with many mouths to feed within their large families and few income earners, it comes as no surprise that people are concerned by the increase in pressure of trying to put food on the table.

For example, I heard concerns about the recent announcement by NAV Canada of user fees on freight rates. I know at this point it is unclear as to what effect this will have on the costs, and my constituency is worried. I know Minister Antoine shared this concern and had expressed them to NAV Canada. In support of Mr. Antoine, I have also met with the president of NAV Canada in Ottawa.

Another issue raised is the cutting of the federal government food/mail program. My constituents rely on this critical and important program to subsidize the high cost of food in the area. It is another issue that requires our attention. Mr. Speaker, I believe as we deal with the pressing and urgent issues around the region, we must continue to pay attention to other important issues raised by our constituents. Thank you.