Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since our last days of sitting in this House I've had an opportunity to speak to constituents of Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, many of the constituents raise issues around the cost of living in Inuvik, around the cost of power, for example, the rate rider that all residents are now paying, and the impact of that increase in their household bills. In a number of cases now, I thought this was rare but it seems to be more often now that I'm hearing from constituents saying that their power bill has jumped from $200 to $500, and feeling that they haven't had adequate responses when they've made enquiries.
As well, Mr. Speaker, the news that the natural gas price in Inuvik was going to jump 45 percent and has jumped as of May 1st, a 45 percent increase. I'm waiting to hear what the PUB is going to do about that as the Town of Inuvik has asked that the PUB have a look into it.
Mr. Speaker, as well, the Public Utilities Board held a meeting in Inuvik regarding the power situation and the rate increase they've applied for, and the Town of Inuvik as well as many other community leaders from the region spoke to the Public Utilities Board speaking against any further increases. Along with that, Mr. Speaker, is the uncertainty of what will happen in future years. As an example, Mr. Speaker, there is less seismic being done in the Delta this winter and people are wondering if there will be further work coming up this winter to ensure that they can earn more money to make sure that they can pay their bills that are continuing to climb.
So, Mr. Speaker, with that during this session I will be approaching different Ministers and asking Ministers questions as to what's happening as a result of some of the enquiries made by residents of Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause