Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to the Minister also. I have said in the Sahtu region, health is on the minds of the majority of people and how we deliver health services in our region. A lot of the people in the communities talk about the need to start strengthening and supporting the aboriginal methods of dealing with issues such as sicknesses, diseases, and other things, not only physically, but mentally, spiritually and emotionally. We haven't yet given enough prudence to the knowledge and tradition of our elders with regard to promoting an aboriginal method of dealing with health. We certainly need to look at that in terms of how we deliver health care, at the same time strengthening the existing health system right now and having them work together.

Madam Chairperson, the one issue that we have a high degree of concern with in the Sahtu is with the amount of cancer that is being diagnosed in the Sahtu region, and the potential for some high cases of diabetes in the region. I read in a magazine the other day that some people may have some symptoms of diabetes, but they're not too sure and they are being checked. I appreciate the Minister's quick response and the government's response on the Meningitis issue in our region. People were very happy to hear that this government took quick action in terms of any further fatalities in our region.

What I would like him to look at is integrating the aboriginal way of dealing with health and sickness in our communities. There are some really good people who are still in the Sahtu region who have those skills and have that knowledge to deal with sickness; not only physically, but mentally, spiritually emotionally also. I would like to suggest that this department push for the aboriginal concept of dealing with health in our communities, and not only rely on the physicians or nurses who are trained and disciplined to deal with health. Take into consideration the aboriginal way of looking at health issues. That method is important, Madam Chair. I would like to ask the Minister if he would let his officials communicate that somehow down to our health care workers in the Sahtu region.