Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I am presenting this motion in conjunction with the possible implementation of the Nutrition North Program, because the majority of our witnesses, regardless of whether or not they agreed with the proposed program, stated that they had absolutely no idea how this program, if indeed it is retained, was to be implemented.
We are aware of the infrastructure problems in the northern regions, making it difficult to meet the needs of this new program, if it is put into place. In order to enable them to meet future requirements, I am asking the minister to suspend his decision for one year in order to give the communities enough time to get the proper structures into place.
This one-year period would be calculated from the planned start date of the program, namely April 1. We would be asking the minister to suspend his decision for one year. If something should occur in the meantime, and so as not to have these people inherit a program...
We do not yet know how the program is to be implemented. If we proceed and the program results in exorbitant and unacceptable costs for the regions, we wouldn't have the opportunity to halt it and correct any shortcomings, if necessary.