Northern issues continued to be my top priority during the session of Parliament that adjourned last week.

It was a session that began in controversy with the prorogation fiasco that had many Canadians concerned about the government's lack of accountability.

The session ended with controversy over $1 billion of reckless spending on the G8/G20 summits.

I spoke out on numerous Northern issues during the session. I fought to save the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. I spoke out on health care and the need for more doctors and health services in the North.

When our winter road network was forced to close early because of mild weather I urged the federal government to send in emergency supplies to affected communities. I also pointed out the importance of the federal government being part of extending the all weather road network.

I raised issues related to the need for more education and training supports. I pointed out the need for EI reform. Housing was an important issue. So was pension reform.

Our caucus also raised many important national issues that matter to Canadians.

During the session our members: helped pass the landmark Climate Change Accountability Act (C-311); Campaigned in the House and across the country on the pensions crisis and recommended expansion of CPP, which the government now appears to have accepted; won support for our motion to curb the Prime Minister’s ability to prorogue the House at will; won support for our national affordable housing strategy.

Our caucus was responsible for 56 per cent of all private members’ motions, and 59 per cent of all private members’ bills. That's four times as many motions and five times as many bills per MP.

Now that the House is out of session I will be once again visiting throughout the riding. This past week I have already been in Thompson, Wabowden, The Pas, OCN and Easterville.

Whether I am in or out of session Northern issues and concerns will continue to be my top priority.