Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to bring to the attention of the House and in particular, the Minister of Health and Social Services and the Baffin Regional Health Board the very severe shortage of nurses in Clyde River. There are not enough nurses in my home community, Mr. Speaker. We have a year round population of 780 and there are only two nurses in town. During certain times of the year the population may increase substantially. Throughout various times of the year, we have visitors, tourists and transient construction workers. Just based on the year round population alone, we have only one nurse for every 400 people. This ratio is unacceptable and unsafe, Mr. Speaker. The shortage of nursing staff compromises the health and safety of the residents of Clyde River. It also puts undue stress on the nursing staff. Mr. Speaker, imagine trying to take care of a community of 800 with only one other qualified person to help you. Importantly, I cannot imagine what may happen if one or both of the nurses are sick or on leave. We need more nurses in Clyde River, Mr. Speaker. This is clear. It should not be a matter of funding. The only issue here is the health of my community. The nursing staff is strained and they need help now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause