Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have been involved in the business plans and budget for this department for about nine months now. My concerns are pretty well voiced in the report that has been provided. I just wanted to underline the critical importance of this strategic planning process that is now underway for this department, and how long overdue it is, and how fundamental it is to shaping the direction that the department has to take. I think that we have an obligation as legislators to come up with a plan that will go to division and beyond. Then it will be up to the two respective governments in Nunavut and the west, to decide if they wish to take the good work that is done and proceed with it. But we should not be faulted for not having a plan and a vision of where we are trying to go, as we try to restructure this very important department.

I also want to underline the need to increase the co-operation among the social program partners, that we have to get even more involved with each other. The departments have to go beyond the Minister, deputy minister level, at all levels throughout the length and breadth of the various departments from the communities up to headquarters, if any kind of co-operation is going to be meaningful. If we want to be able to say that we are integrating our services, and that there is a working relationship that is relevant. Those, Mr. Chairman, are my general comments, and I will conclude with those. Thank you.