Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a couple of general comments for the Minister, Madam Chair. I'm glad to see that he's going to maintain the existing programs and services we have in place now. I remember bringing up a Members' statement sometime back in December or January when I talked about escorts for elders, and also about translations when they travel outside of the communities. I'm sure hoping that your department can continue these services for people outside of the smaller communities.

I am also wondering, Madam Chair, about the recruitment process for the registered nurses in the communities. I know it's a difficult process, but I sure hope your department can recruit the necessary health care workers we need in our small communities, because we know they do get overtired, as I stated some time ago.

Another comment; I think also with regard to mental health workers for the smaller communities, when they do come into our communities they should have all the training culturally and get to know the people well.

Madam Chair, with regard to the comment made by the Minister about DIAND's two percent ceiling. Again that's just another one to deal with. If DIAND says that's going to be the limit, that's the cap we have to deal with.

Looking in the newspaper which I read a couple of days ago, where the Premier talked about health and social services contributions, that we're trying to get from the federal government. Where do we go from there if we can't get the money from the feds? Are we willing to give that responsibility back to the feds? Again it's something we have to talk about. These are just some general comments I'm making, Madam Chair. Thank you.