Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate Premiers Stephen Kakfwi, Paul Okalik and Dennis Fentie for their strong, clear and united voice with which they spoke about the inadequacy of the current federal funding formula in health care services for Northerners.
Having seen the outpouring of support shown by the residents and leaders of all walks of life and all over the territories north of 60, a number of things have become more clear to me than ever. Mr. Speaker, the first is the universal access to good, reliable health care. Regardless of where we live, it's one thing that is truly near and dear to our hearts. This is one of the most treasured and precious rights and privileges we have as Canadians. The scarcity of people and the remoteness of where we live should not deprive us of equal treatment. In my experience as an MLA, I know of no other issue that unites our people as this important belief. Any politician who fails to fully appreciate this must do so at their own peril.
Mr. Speaker, the second thing that has become very clear is that the federal government must quickly address the need for a health care funding formula that recognizes this principle. The full implications of the extra costs of delivering the health care services to each and every Northerner must be included, above and beyond the per capita numbers in any new funding formula.
Thirdly, Mr. Speaker, is that when leaders unite and work together, they become much stronger and effective than the sum of their collective whole. And people appreciate this and throw their support behind them. It was something to behold, Mr. Speaker, to witness the three northern Premiers speaking with one voice on behalf of the people they represent. Their collective voice was clear, strong and focused, and I believe very strongly that it will result in something good for all of us. We have already seen it, Mr. Speaker. The attention of our neighbours, including the leaders and the media south of 60, finally tuned in to our message that we have been trying to get through to them for a very long time. For a day or two it was a topic of major discussion in every media room in the country. I realize that we have a lot more work to do, and the Premiers are working with our elected officials in Ottawa to...