Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is an unfortunate reality that many of my constituents rely on income support in order to get their basic needs met. Income support is a program of last resort. However, because there is little employment in the outlying communities, it is often the only resort for many of my constituents.

As I mentioned in the House on Tuesday, it is known that if the highway toll is implemented, all Northerners will face an increase in the cost of living. I know a tax credit has been designed to offset this and this will compensate income earners.

However, I do not see any compensation for people on income support. I am also concerned that in a sense, we as a government will be giving with one hand and taking with the other hand.

Income support payments are minimal to begin with, and the little assistance that there is will be eaten up through higher costs in grocery bills, higher fuel bills, higher travel costs and higher gas prices resulting from the toll, Mr. Speaker. Just this morning, I heard on the radio that airlines will increase travel and freight costs because of the new airport tax. This translates, again, into higher costs for all Northerners.

I know that the various government departments have looked at the cost of living and the implications of these new taxes. At the appropriate time, I will have questions on this matter, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

-- Applause