Thank you, Mr. Chair. I commend the Premier on that recent response. The lack of infrastructure is one of our biggest challenges facing the NWT and, more importantly, the communities of Sahtu. For more than 40 years, people in my region have looked forward to the day when they can be connected to the Mackenzie Valley Highway. With isolation, Mr. Chair, comes limited opportunity, dependence and physical burden to the government programs, and elements of depression.

We are tired of waiting. We are tired of paying high prices. We are tired of the effect the lack of infrastructure is having on resource development. The people in my region want the same privileges as the residents of Yellowknife, being able to drive in and out, or the other regions. People want to see the region open for exploration and development and, more importantly, as well, the jobs created to bring home family income. Mr. Chair, I ask the Premier to explain to my residents what his government is doing to help advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway extension to the Sahtu region. Mahsi.