This is page numbers 222 - 248 of the Hansard for the 13th Assembly, 6th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was seniors.

Topics

Members Present

Honourable Goo Arlooktoo, Mr. Barnabas, Honourable Charles Dent, Mr. Enuaraq, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Evaloarjuk, Honourable Sam Gargan, Mrs. Groenewegen, Mr. Henry, Mr. Krutko, Mr. Miltenberger, Honourable Don Morin, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Ningark, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Ootes, Mr. Picco, Mr. Rabesca, Mr. Roland, Mr. Steen, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Honourable John Todd.

Oh, God, may your spirit and guidance be in us as we work for the benefit of all our people, for peace and justice in our land and for the constant recognition of the dignity and aspirations of those whom we serve. Amen.

Item 1: Prayer
Item 1: Prayer

Page 222

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Good morning. Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd.

John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Premier Morin and my Cabinet colleagues for this visionary new agenda for the new Western Territory. It reflects who we are, reinforces what we value and provides a blueprint for what we hope to become in the next millennium. As this vision is fulfilled, we will see increased northern self-reliance, reduced dependence on federal transfers and new opportunities for northern people to take their rightful place in the workforce and economy.

I want to expand on the Premier's remarks regarding our capacity to take greater control of our economic future, to move from near total reliance to self-sufficiency, from being an economic under-achiever to a net contributor to the country. Mr. Speaker, our strategy rests on a renewed relationship with the Government of Canada, and aboriginal governments because, the reality is, the federal government currently controls most of the levers necessary to bring about meaningful change. As the Premier pointed out, long-term solutions to our region's problems depend on progress on multiple fronts: constitutional, political and fiscal.

If the new west is to become a new economic force in confederation, there must first be a resolution of governance issues that currently inhibit economic and social development. Second, decisions about the north must be made in the north. We ask no more than our neighbours to the south would expect for themselves. Thirdly, and most fundamentally, there must be a new fiscal relationship that results in a more equitable distribution of revenues generated by northern economic development.

Mr. Speaker, we are seeking a significant restructuring of our fiscal relationship with the federal government and aboriginal governments, including an increase to the tax window. We are

arguing that greater access to own-source revenues will, over time, enable the federal government to reduce transfer payments. As we gain a greater share of tax revenues generated by local economic activity, we will be better able to pay for quality health care, education, housing and social programs for the people of our communities. As well, we will have greater control and a greater say over how this is done.

There must also be greater cooperation instead of the traditional confrontation between our three governments. We believe there needs to be a more coordinated, focused and productive approach to federal and territorial investments, and economic policy development. We are encouraging productive partnerships among the three northern governments and provinces, industry and aboriginal development corporations to make strategic investments in support of northern economic development. When you realize that fully 63 percent of the government's budget is committed to the social and health envelope, it becomes obvious that the creation of long-term, high-paying jobs presents the only lasting solution to our current economic and fiscal dilemma.

Our only hope of reducing our dependence on federal transfers is to create employment for our people. Only in this way will we realize our goal of creating healthy, productive communities capable of contributing to territorial self-sufficiency. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, we have acknowledged that we must expand our economic horizons beyond our northern borders. The regional market is simply not big enough to sustain growing territorial based businesses. In the same way that Canada needs the US for trade and economic growth, we also have to pursue larger southern markets for investment and increased business development opportunities.

There is another equally compelling reason for exploring new economic opportunities. That is the fact that the traditional northern economy, while critical to maintaining our culture and lifestyle, is nowhere near large enough to raise the kind of revenues necessary to meet the demands of our fast growing population. For example, Mr. Speaker, the revenues generated by trapping, the commercial wildlife harvest, forestry and fishing - some $46 million in 1996/97 - does not begin to cover the almost $740 million required for our social envelope budget.

We have to start capitalizing on the immense potential of our non-renewable resources, with their spin-off secondary industries, their ability to infuse billions of dollars into the local economy and capacity to create thousands of badly needed jobs. Of course, to succeed, we will need to develop the skills and confidence to tap into outside markets, and to become players on the national scene, but I have never doubted that northerners have what it takes to not only meet, but overcome, any challenge. Mr. Speaker, rather than being perceived as a long-term liability to Canada, we can turn that perception around to an appreciation that the north is a national asset. In so doing, we will earn the respect of Canadians for our ability to govern our own affairs.

My recent discussions with my federal counterpart, the Honourable Paul Martin, as well as the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of DIAND, suggest our federal partners recognize the merits of our vision and are receptive to a new approach. There is a willingness to try doing things differently, to give northerners a chance. In fact, my sense is that they welcome the input and innovative ideas we are putting forward. Mr. Speaker, they are beginning to believe in us. Is it not time we began believing in ourselves?

We can demonstrate that we have the vision and the energy to make the new north a reality. We have the opportunity to demonstrate to our federal partners that we are worthy of the enhanced autonomy that we are seeking. This, Mr. Speaker, is the objective of the economic development strategy. This strategy will set forth our arguments, backed by compelling substantiation, for the kinds of things we would like to do. It will chart the course for change, measured in concrete and tangible steps.

I believe, Mr. Speaker, that, done correctly, this strategy has the potential to bring to the Northwest Territories, over $30 million in a new economic development agreement, together with as much as an additional $50 million in incremental revenues from an increased tax window. Add to this, untold millions in increased investment in northern infrastructure by our southern partners. When the spin-offs from this additional revenue are also recognized and when leveraged investments yield additional returns, it is easy to see how the strategic approach we envision, could well bring billions of dollars on increased economic activity to the north.

Mr. Speaker, for a return of this magnitude, an investment of $400,000 to develop the strategy and do it well, is a small investment to make. The broad based and encompassing approach that we are taking to this work will bring together the expertise of a number of qualified northern consulting firms, under the coordination of Roland C. Bailey and Associates, balanced by input from key government departments on all aspects of the strategy.

At the officials' level, the work is being directed by a team of deputy ministers, lead by the secretary to Cabinet. I have been given responsibility as the lead Minister for this initiative, because of its sweeping fiscal implications. However, Mr. Speaker, this is a big undertaking that touches every aspect of our operations. The economic strategy will also rely upon the input of my Cabinet colleagues; the Honourable Jim Antoine, Minister of Transportation, who has responsibility for the new road initiative to open access to resource rich areas; the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, responsible for negotiating the new economic development agreement with DIAND; and the Honourable Charles Dent, who will oversee the training initiatives flowing from this work.

It should be mentioned, Mr. Speaker, that the success of this strategy also depends upon the input of northerners. We are undertaking an extensive process of consultation with key stakeholder groups. An informal consultation process has been underway since the awarding of the contract, to allow for data collection to take place. I have just recently commenced a more formal process of consultation, by arranging meetings with a number of organizations representing a broad cross section of interests across the Northwest Territories. As well, I am awaiting a first draft of the strategy document, which I intend to table in this House.

This document will ultimately receive wide circulation in a draft format, for the purposes of consultation, before it is finalized. This will allow anyone with an interest in this work to have input into the final product. I encourage all Members of this Assembly, and all citizens of the new Western Territory to seize this opportunity to shape the kind of future we want for your children and ourselves. We have the rare privilege of building a new government for a new territory, from the ground up. It is a chance that comes, for those who are fortunate, only once in a lifetime. We owe it to ourselves, and the generations that will follow us, to do the job right Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of seniors, I am pleased to announce that the United Nations has designated 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons. Its purpose is to foster international awareness of the importance of seniors' role in society and the need for inter-generational respect and support.

To create awareness and to launch this special year, October 1, 1998 has been declared the International Day of Older Persons across Canada. Canada's seniors population is among the fastest growing in the world. The International year of Older Persons is an opportunity for Canadians to think about these demographic changes and how we can respond to them as a society. The International Year of Older Persons also provides an opportunity to recognize and benefit from seniors' talents, energies, life experiences and contributions to society.

Canada's theme for the 1999 International Year of Older Persons is "Canada, A Society for All Ages". The theme was developed by representatives of the federal, provincial and territorial governments in consultation with seniors and seniors organizations. The theme highlights the importance of inter-generational dialogue and cooperation on seniors issues, the need to involve seniors in decisions, and the recognition that seniors play an important and beneficial role in Canadian society.

Mr. Speaker, a Northwest Territories/Nunavut coordinating committee was formed in 1997 to liaise with all northern communities in celebrating the International Year of Older Persons. The committee consists of the following individuals.

Commissioner Helen Maksagak, Honorary Chairperson; Bishop Jack Sperry, NWT representative for Canada's co-ordinating committee; Mrs. Esther Braden and Ms. Geraldine MacLean co-chairpersons; and members Mrs. Barbara Bromley; Ms. Jan Stirling; Mr. Wally Maduke; Ms. Marie Ernerk; Ms. June Van Dine Arden; Mr. Art Sorensen; Mr. Eric Nielsen; Ms. Judy Langford; Ms. Dianne Mercredi; and Ms. Rosemary Cairns.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of these individuals for work already done and work that they are about to embark on.

--Applause

Mr. Speaker, the International Year of Older Persons is a special year to honour all the elders of the Northwest Territories, to develop ways of working with and for elders in our communities and to recognize what they have done and are still doing for all of us. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services recognizes the valuable contributions of our seniors and have taken steps to ensure that our programs are efficient and effective in supporting seniors living in their communities.

The Department of Health and Social Services, along with other departments that deliver programs to seniors, work together to ensure that the principles of independence, program sustainability, equity and access for all residents of the NWT includes our seniors. Mr. Speaker, we know that one way to improve the quality of life for seniors is by providing health and social services closer to home.

In supporting seniors to live in their home communities and in their own homes, the Government of the Northwest Territories has undertaken a number of initiatives, including;

­ Providing funding to communities to deliver home care;

­ developing and printing a brochure called "Programs and Services for NWT Seniors";

­ implementing, in conjunction with the NWT Seniors Society a 1 - 800 NWT seniors information line; and

­ continuing the construction of independent housing units for seniors.

In our strategic plan document, Shaping Our Future, the Department of Health and Social Services has confirmed its commitment to developing strong social supports for seniors through the increased involvement of family and community in developing appropriate health, social and cultural programs. We will continue to work together in partnership with the Seniors Advisory Council and government departments to involve seniors in the program design and evaluation to be sure the basic needs of seniors are met. I am sure that with the efforts of all involved the International Year of Older Persons will turn out to be a great year in the Northwest Territories, in Nunavut and in the new Western Territory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Minister's Statement 40-13(6): Status Of Women Council
Item 2: Ministers' Statements

September 24th, 1998

Page 225

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since 1990, the Status of Women Council of the NWT has supported women in the north to reach their full potential. The council was established by the territorial government to raise awareness of women's issues. The Status of Women Council plays an important role in the development of northern communities. With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is providing the council with $30,000 in additional funding.

This funding will provide the council with the opportunity to develop and deliver workshops to northern communities on:

-women and the role they can play in community development;

-increased participation of women in community leadership positions; and

-increased participation of women in decision making opportunities at the community level.

It is with these objectives in mind that the department is providing the council with training funds. The council is in a unique situation where they can deliver training through their extensive network of centres and volunteers across the north. Furthermore, the training project meets many of MACA's objectives towards developing communities, which include building local capacity, and facilitating community based planning, organizational development and effective leadership.

The Status of Women Council will contribute to the department's goal of community empowerment, by supporting women to be more active participants in the development of their community. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for both the Status of Women and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, I am very pleased to be able to contribute to this worthwhile initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Ng.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. For the past several years, 50,000 caring Canadians have taken to the streets in an event called Run for the Cure.

This event has grown and is now being held in 26 Canadian cities. Yellowknife is supporting Run for the Cure. On Sunday, October 4, 1998 Yellowknifers will run and walk alongside survivors of breast cancer to raise funds for breast cancer education, diagnosis, treatment and research. Last year in Yellowknife, 852 participants in Run for the Cure raised nearly $100,000. This year, 53 Department of Health and Social Services employees have formed corporate teams and are actively supporting Run for the Cure by running or walking on Sunday, October 4th.

Mr. Speaker, I must mention that our Premier, the Honourable Don Morin will be running or walking, I am not sure which, as part of the Health and Social Services team. I am sure you all will join me in cheering him on and encouraging him to raise lots of money for this worthy cause. Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate as I will be travelling. I am sure the Premier's performance will be spectacular enough for both of us.

The Department of Health and Social Services has challenged all other government departments to enter a team and meet or beat our fundraising and participation efforts. I understand that Legislative Assembly and the Department of the Executive staff and Members have risen to the challenge and assembled a joint corporate team of 33 individuals. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud all participants and the many corporate sponsors of this event. I am told that a significant proportion of the money raised in Yellowknife will stay in Yellowknife to support local initiatives.

I would like to take this opportunity to outline some initiatives that are being undertaken across the territories to support the early detection of breast cancer.

-During the past year, the Department of Health and Social Services issued updated guidelines for breast cancer screening.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive rule 34(6) so that all Ministers' statements filed with the Clerk can be delivered today.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Kitikmeot is seeking unanimous consent to waive rule 34(6). Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Ng, you have unanimous consent.

Kelvin Ng Kitikmeot

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, honourable colleagues. Mr. Speaker,

- During the past year, the Department of Health and Social Services issued updated guidelines for breast cancer screening.

- The Inuvik Regional Health and Social Services Board is developing a women's health program, funded through the Strategic Initiatives Fund, that will include mammography services being offered in the region.

- Health and Social Services Boards in Hay River, Fort Smith and the Deh Cho are working to establish ongoing links with mobile screening programs from Alberta or BC to facilitate and improve access for women who require this service.

- The working group on breast cancer screening will continue to monitor access to breast cancer screening and provide advice to the department and the health and social services boards for improving program delivery.

- In the coming months, the Department of Health and Social Services will be working in collaboration with the Status of Women Council and supporting the boards to better identify and meet information needs of NWT women related to breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services, regional health and social services boards, women's groups, health care professionals and survivors with their families throughout the NWT are continuing to work together to combat breast cancer and its devastating effects. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Ms. Thompson.

Manitok Thompson Aivilik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the annual meeting of federal/provincial/territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women was held in Iqaluit, August 19th to 21st, 1998. Given the imminent creation of the Nunavut Territory, we were very pleased to be able to host this important event in Iqaluit. I am pleased to say that all the delegates enjoyed our northern hospitality and many of them stayed in Iqaluit for a few days after the meeting. Most of the delegates had never been to Canada's far north. For them, it was an experience of a lifetime, and something they will share with friends and family for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, the honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State for the Status of Women and I co-chaired this meeting. Together with the other Ministers, we addressed a number of issues that continue to prevent women from achieving full equality and the financial well being and security that is necessary for improving their economic status. We examined ways to recognize and incorporate the reality of women's lives in economic decision making processes, to eliminate barriers to equality for women, and to help women and girls make informed economic choices.

The Ministers and I also confirmed our commitment to end violence against women. We share a common vision of safe, healthy communities: a vision that embraces cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity and also recognizes the particular needs of vulnerable groups. Mr. Speaker, the Ministers also agreed that the prevention of violence against women is a shared responsibility and that solutions will be best achieved through partnerships among individuals, groups and governments. To this end, Ministers will make a joint statement by December 6, 1998 reaffirming their determination to end violence.

Mr. Speaker, I made a very strong statement to the Ministers regarding violence in the family and violence against children and elders. I emphasized the extreme importance of being more inclusive when we talk about this item. Violence affects all members of the family. A strong family unit is a result of all members being mentally, emotionally and physically healthy. It is not just about the issues of the woman, the man or the child. It involves everyone. The Ministers understand and support NWT's position on this issue.

In addition to addressing priority areas such as violence against women, we discussed women's health and how we, as Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, can plan a key role in this area. Mr. Speaker, the meeting was very successful and I am indeed very pleased that we have the honour to host such an event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Ministers' statements. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Goo Arlooktoo Baffin South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the 1997-98 annual report of the Victims Assistance Committee, as required by the Victims of Crime Act. This committee administers the Victims Assistance Fund. The fund is generated from fine surcharges imposed for offenses under federal and territorial statutes. Last year, I approved committee recommendations for contributions to 14 territorial organizations and community agencies totalling $139,133. These contributions paid for victim related activities in training, direct service delivery and public education projects.

In particular, this year contributions were made to organizations to promote and provide direct service and healing to survivors of residential school abuse. Other contributions were made for community based support and assistance to victims of crime in the western Arctic and Nunavut. This year there was an increase in training and healing initiatives in the NWT, several of which were run by experienced northern trainers.

I find it encouraging to see the Victims Assistance Fund being used as one of many links to developing community based victim initiatives. I would like to thank all victim support workers for their service to victims of crime in the north. I

would like to send a special thanks to Gail Cyr of Yellowknife, Julia Putulik of Chesterfield Inlet, and Alphonsine McNeely of Fort Good Hope as Victims Assistance Committee members for their valued personal contributions. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. Mr. Krutko

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today is regarding the high number of cases of cancer that seems to continue to occur in the Mackenzie Delta region. There has been concerns raised by the Hamlet of Fort McPherson, the Hamlet of Aklavik and letters have been written to the appropriate Ministers on this particular matter. Yet today, there still has not been a conclusion to the matter.

It seems from the letters I have read from the appropriate departments, that they do not see it as being a crisis matter because of statistics, but from the communities prospective, it is a crisis and something has to be done. Mr. Speaker, I think it is appropriate that this government considers some sort of a program similar to what is being done in Inuvik in regard to the implementation of the women's health study.

I think that is a start and I would like to thank the Inuvik Regional Health Board for that. In order for us to look at the problem of cancer we have to look at all aspects dealing with the environment; airborne contaminants, water quality and also look at the whole lifestyle of these people and the history.

I think we have to start implementing programs to be able to pinpoint and evaluate exactly where these cancer problems seem to be coming from. In the case of Fort McPherson, I raised an issue when I was first elected about the water quality problem of that community. In one case, in Fort McPherson where they use something like seven or eight different chemicals in the treatment of water in the water treatment facility. That alone is a concern to the people in the community. Mr. Speaker, yet today that problem is still there.

Nothing has been done in the way of implementing infrastructure in that community to try to resolve that problem. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Member for Mackenzie Delta is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do we have any nays? There are no nays. Mr. Krutko, you have unanimous consent.

David Krutko

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In regard to the whole area of finding a solution to this problem, Mr. Speaker, there has to be an implementation, some sort of means of monitoring the residents of the Mackenzie Delta to try to

pinpoint this problem.

I feel there has to be initiative by this government to allow all people in the Mackenzie Delta the opportunity to be tested. In a lot of cases, I find a lot of residents who do find themselves getting cancer. They go to the health centre time and time again and being told you either have ulcers, you have some other disease, but at the end of the day, when they are diagnosed with cancer, it is usually too late. It is after the fact.

I think it is critical we formulate some program to ensure people are monitored and that we take this problem seriously. There has to be more dollars and resources put into the evaluation and monitoring of the health of the people in the Mackenzie Delta. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister a question on this matter. Thank you.

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Enuaraq.

Tommy Enuaraq Baffin Central

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Padloping Island and Qivittu relocatees. Padloping Island and Qivittu are former communities near Broughton Island. Their residents were located under duress to Broughton Island in 1968 by the territorial and federal government.

The two levels of government met many times with the two communities to urge residents to consider a move to Broughton Island. In Broughton Island, the government promised to improve public housing and health care services. However, the residents knew that game and other economically harvestable animals were in short supply near Broughton Island. As a result, they refused to move at every occasion, much to the government's dissatisfaction. The governments then resorted to emotional tactics, telling people if they did not move or relocate, they could end up dying because if they became sick, no one would come to assist them.

After several visits and misleading presentations, the government was eventually able to convince some of the residents to move. Others who did not share this point of view or were out on the land saw their houses and possessions transferred to Broughton Island without their knowledge or consent. Mr. Speaker, imagine the surprise when families out on the land returned home. Structures that were difficult to move were bulldozed over. In addition, the dogs were shot to facilitate the move.

To sum it up, Mr. Speaker, when the government's emotional tactics did not work, government officials took physical action. As I have stated, these shameful actions included the dismantlement and relocation of houses and possessions in the absence of the homeowners, the burning and bulldozing of qammaks and shooting of all the dogs. Individuals that experienced this ill treatment by the two levels of government have been abandoned and left with numerous social, physical and psychological problems.

Mr. Speaker, I support the relocatees in urging our governments to do their part to make this healing whole and complete, and ensure that justice is done for these victims of abuse. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Members' statements. Mr. Miltenberger.

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Mr. Speaker, our time together as a combined Assembly is short. There is as yet, an unconcluded initiative that we inherited from the 12th Assembly and that particular initiative, Mr. Speaker, is the review and report on the affirmative action program of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The initial review started back in the 12th Assembly when we took office, there was a considerable amount of interest and pressure exerted on the government to bring closure to that particular matter. The government hit a wall where they could not seem to bring anything forward in the formal concrete way that was ready or qualified to be put on the table in this Assembly. In order to assist the government, a special committee was struck comprising of colleagues, Mr. Henry, Mr. Erasmus, Mr. Picco and myself. We spent a considerable amount of time working with the material we had, all the work that had been done to pull together what we thought were very concrete recommendations which we submitted to the government and they indicated that they would be acting upon them.

Mr. Speaker, we have basically one more session or two short ones between now and December which will wrap up our relationship and our role here as an Assembly together. I think it is critical that before we finish that the government, in fact, table something in this House that would indicate their work that has been done, many people, hundreds of government employees were consulted thousands, tens of thousands, probably hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on this particular review. Yet, we have not seen one document brought to this House. I will be asking the Premier in question period when and what is happening with that report and when we can expect to see it tabled, when our constituents can expect to see the combination of all of this effort and work that has been put in this particular review. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Members' statements. Mr. Rabesca.