Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On January 1, 2008, the northern residents deduction was increased 10 percent, from $5,475 to $6,022.50, the first increase since 1991. Our government has been working with the governments of Nunavut and Yukon to look at requesting an increase in the northern resident deduction. Three territorial Finance Ministers

reviewed this, and on October 31, 2012, the Finance Ministers reported to the Northern Premiers’ Forum and also outlined a possible work plan.

Their report noted that increasing the northern resident deduction would decrease personal income tax revenues for federal, territorial and some provincial governments. It would not benefit low-income families and would only benefit high-income northern taxpayers. In addition, we would require the support of six provinces whose northern residents also receive the northern resident deduction would need to be reconfirmed. At the time, we decided it was not in the best interest of our low-income families to pursue this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.