Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today my Member’s statement is on income support concerns. My riding of Nunakput is dealing with a legacy of neglect regarding income support to the residents. The high cost of living has limited services, for one reason or another. Healthy living in the communities is a lifestyle for only part of the population. I cannot understand how this government expects a person living in the small, isolated community, where a carton of milk is as high as $10 for two litres, to live on $400 a month.

Mr. Speaker, there is a huge disconnect between the department, between the way the support is delivered and the services that are needed to be paid for, the policymakers in Yellowknife to the remote communities. In the communities, people, families and elders are literally going hungry. Healthy living in the communities go hand in hand. When people are living healthy, every aspect of the communities are impacted in a good way.

At times, when harvesting is close for caribou or any other big game close by, residents can live off traditional food and compensate. Mr. Speaker, this

is not a privilege all year round. Communities that are lucky to have a food bank have been stretched to the limits. The longer the government waits, it becomes a bigger problem. People try to get help but often get the run around and the blame game when dealing with government departments and financial problems in the communities. We need a true one-stop shop where the people can deal with all of their issues, where residents can get help so people can feed their families, Mr. Speaker.

I often visit residents in the communities. When I see the cupboards are bare or when they cannot afford to buy basic foods, it makes me wonder why this government is letting this happen, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the appropriate Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.