Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you, colleagues. Due to our geographical situation, cross-subsidies are a part of life in the north, we have it in fuel subsidies, power subsidies, housing subsidies and many other programs. It is part of our reality in living in the north. If we live in a large community, we are sometimes frustrated that we do not benefit from the cost-savings our population should provide, but then we have to remind ourselves that we also benefit from serving smaller communities because government and industry institutions are based in larger communities. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the proposal to have a national fund for high-cost regions will benefit greatly all of the communities of the north because we, more than any other jurisdiction in Canada, understand how our geography and population can benefit both large and small communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause