Thank you. My point of order, Mr. Chairman. My friend from the Kitikmeot seems to have a drink, other than water, on his table. Thank you.

---Laughter

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and colleagues. We must continue talking about these problems at the community level and working towards solutions; solutions that come from within the community. The professionals from outside could help us, but the real answer is the community has to deal with the problems and find solutions.

Once we are healthy again, outside investors will feel more confident investing in Nunavut. Madam Speaker, several other important themes emerged: the need to focus on education, particularly; making use of what is available today such as distance learning facilities. Taking university courses through distance learning technology. We also spoke of the importance of protecting our environment and preserving traditional values and using traditional values to go ahead and develop our Nunavut. During the Nunavut leaders' summit to be held in January in Gjoa Haven, we intend to explore some of these options further.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I would like to share with you a phrase that someone used during the closing of the conference. "When I believe it, I will see it. If we strongly believe that this future we are planning for ourselves is attainable, it will surely come to pass." Thank you.

---Applause

(Translation) Good morning, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to announce that I just came back from an economic meeting in Rankin Inlet sponsored by Nunavut Tunngavik, as well as the Government of the Northwest Territories. (Translation ends)

The conference was an astounding success. Over 200 delegates attended from all walks of life: there were young people making contributions to the conference; elders speaking their own native tongue making contributions; representatives of women's groups; church groups; small businesses from the communities and regions; and, multinational corporations such as mining companies, airlines and banks. Throughout the week, the meeting rooms were filled with positive energy. Everyone had something worthwhile to contribute whether they were an elder, a student or a community leader.

During the week, we worked together to develop a plan for achieving economic stability in Nunavut. Although the conference's major theme was economy, several issues were identified that we as Inuit, or the population of Nunavut, will have to overcome in order to make ourselves economically viable and stable. For example, Madam Speaker, we could have the most solid financial plan for Nunavut, a solid educational strategy and a solid transportation strategy and if we don't deal with the social problems such as substance abuse, family violence, sexual abuse and social breakdown, we will be no further ahead.

We have started talking about these issues and we must continue...Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the aviation industry will make history again this week with the inaugural flight of NWT Air's 737 jet service to Hall Beach. NWT Air flight 967 and 968 will be the first and only direct service linking Hall Beach to western Canada.

Tomorrow at about this time, Madam Speaker, the jet, which will have originated in Winnipeg, will be leaving Rankin Inlet and will be arriving in Hall Beach in the afternoon. The flight will then leave Hall Beach and return to Winnipeg via Rankin Inlet, arriving in Winnipeg tomorrow evening. Passengers from Edmonton and Yellowknife will also now be able to make same day connections to Hall Beach via Rankin Inlet.

Madam Speaker, this flight will benefit my constituents in several ways. Many of the people in Hall Beach have family members in Rankin Inlet and those people have expressed their appreciation for this improved service. The plane has larger access doors which means that, not only will freight be transportable to Hall Beach and more frequently, larger items such as cars and trucks can now be delivered to the community by air.

NWT Air recognizes Hall Beach as a strategic location, being at the geographical centre of Nunavut. Thanks to NWT Air and also to First Air, which operates flights from Hall Beach to Iqaluit and Taloyoak and Igloolik, Hall Beach now has convenient access to almost every community in Nunavut.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I would like to thank NWT Air for their past and continued commitment to the service of the people of the north. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you, Madam Speaker. So, my constituents who are assisting pregnant women to give birth outside of normal practice using traditional knowledge -- which allows the mothers to stay with their kids and husbands in the community and prevents the need for these women to go outside of the community, specifically to Iqaluit -- are breaking the law? Is that what the Minister is saying?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Minister seems to be saying that there is legislation that hampers the people in the community who are traditional midwives in their practice. What kind of legislation is that?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Since the department supports that kind of initiative, would the Minister support my community of Pond Inlet, where there is a group of people who have assisted pregnant women to give birth against the policy of this government in the past? I believe last year there were a few births assisted by traditional midwives. Would they support that kind of group now? Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Some time ago, the Department of Health established a birthing centre in, I believe, the community of Rankin Inlet. I asked the Minister about allowing elders and local people to assist pregnant women to have their babies in the communities, rather than going out of the communities for six to eight weeks, away from their families. That disrupts many families and contributes to social problems.

I wonder, if there are capable people in the communities and if a pregnant woman is not in danger of complications, if the department is open to allowing community members to take over where they would really love to, along with nurses?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism a question. The Minister stated that his department is looking at possibly funding the credit union, which was good news to us. Could the Minister report to the House as to the approval of funds that might be coming forth? Thank you.