Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on January 6th and 7th of this year, I had the pleasure of meeting in Winnipeg with the Deputy Premier of Manitoba, the Honourable James Downey, who is also the Minister of Trade. Also present at this meeting was the Honourable Len Derkach, the Minister of Rural Development and a number of deputy ministers. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this meeting was to discuss and promote increased trade between Manitoba, my constituency and the region in general. Also discussed was a possibility of a winter road between Arviat and Churchill and possible power grid options.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Manitoba trade delegation will be travelling to Arviat and Baker Lake on the 16th and 17th of February to discuss and promote business between the two regions. Mr. Speaker, a delegation of approximately 35 people, or guests rather, are expected to include the Premier, Honourable Gary Filmon; the Deputy Premier, Len Derkach, the Honourable Darren Praznik, Minister of Health, the Honourable Glen Findlay, Minister of Highways and Transportation and the Honourable David Newman, Minister of Northern Affairs and Energy.

Mr. Speaker, we welcome this delegation and see this as a first step in better relations between the two regions. Thank you.

--Applause