Thank you, Mr. Chairman and good afternoon. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to make some comments on the Budget Address as tabled by Mr. Todd. I understand that the food allowance rates have not changed since 1992, despite the changes to the road and our food supply services in many of our communities, over the years. This government is going to make $1 million available to adjust the rates paid for food within the Income Support Programs, as announced

by Mr. Todd. He is hoping that this will ensure that communities are placed within their proper food cost zones. These funds will ensure that additional financial support, as envisioned by Mr. Todd, is available to purchase food for northern families. I understand that a cost breakdown on the $1 million available based on the food basket itself is only about $30 per family. I wonder where Mr. Todd, when he was doing his budget address, came up with the figure of $1 million? Did he prorate it based on the new cost food zones or did he actually look at re-basing the amount and just arbitrarily came up with $1 million? That it is a concern. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.