Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today our communities are struggling and challenged with the cost of living. Cost of living regarding the basic needs of food, shelter and, for the most part, is demoralizing in terms of the price. It saps people’s pride and longing for independence. The price of basics such as meat, fish, chicken, vegetables and fruits are way high. The goods are packaged and processed down south and either trucked or flown to communities. If you are fortunate and are one of 50 percent of the people that work in communities, you can buy groceries locally. If you live in public housing, you are charged your rent to the amount of $70 per month or, if you work, 30 percent of your wages. It is not surprising that in smaller communities people are more inclined to supplement their livelihood by hunting, fishing or trapping, but, of course, if you have a skidoo, boat and the necessary equipment to go out on the land.

As the sun sets in the communities, elders, youth and the unemployed are grateful to have lived through another day in the community, and they put

their faith and hope that this government will finally do something about the cost of living.