Qujannamiik. I have heard many opinions in this House on the affirmative action policy. I believe we need the affirmative action policy. I agree that the current policy has maybe not had the results we would want. The levels of employment of aboriginal and Inuit people are still not representative of the general population. However, Mr. Speaker, without this policy, there would be even fewer Inuit people in the workforce in my area. The people in my region are very capable of doing the jobs that need to be done. It is true that many people do not have a lot of formal education. Inuit people recognize this and are trying to upgrade their education. Young people are staying in school and getting their grade 12. Adults are returning to college to improve their skills. Education is only a piece. A person's experience, approach to life and knowledge of local customs and values are very important for being successful as a GNWT employee.

Mr. Speaker, Inuit people without a lot of education may bring a wealth of practical experience to the job. In Nunavut, we hope to have Inuit people represented in the new government. The affirmative action policy is providing the starting point. We cannot abandon it now. We must find ways to improve it, to increase the willingness of employers to recognize the life experience of Inuit people in the hiring process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause