I simply want to add the following.
In the beginning, I asked for an exemption at all of the sessions. The commission's representatives kept telling us that their mandate did not allow them to grant another exemption to any riding in northern Ontario. That is what they told us.
When it was a matter of the communities in the riding of Sault Ste. Marie, I told them that if I could not get an exemption, their second suggestion would surely be the best for the riding to ensure that people are properly represented.
As I said, we do not expect people to come into the office, because the distances are long. As a result, my assistants travel to the communities to hold community meetings.
That said, I spoke to the mayor of St. Joseph Island. He wanted his city to remain in the riding of Sault Ste. Marie, and that was mentioned to the commission. However, I have always maintained that the best solution was the status quo.