Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yesterday, during question period we were told more than once, by more than one Minister, that the transportation strategy is the bible in which a lot of these capital developments and future developments are taking place. I would just like to re-iterate for the record that, in this current budget, there are no funds here for planning. I do not see any money for the extension of the Mackenzie Highway from Wrigley through to Inuvik and on through to Tuktoyaktuk.
I would like to put on the record that, again, this is a project that is needed in the Arctic for job creation and for the development of businesses and joint ventures. I think that is one of the things we are lacking.
I note in the departmental goals there are some good statements and that one of the goals is to maximize employment of northern and local residents, and maximum use of northern and local businesses in the design, construction and maintenance of the transportation network.
Another goal is public and private sectors and general public are informed and consulted on transportation programs and services. The department supports local employment in the development of a strong northern private sector. Also Affirmative Action and local involvement policies of the G.N.W.T. are reflected in the way in which programs of this department are carried out.
Mr. Chairman, I hope that departmental officials read these goals when doing their work of planning and consulting with communities, businesses and native groups in terms of developing stronger bonds, more native employment, more native businesses and better use of what we have up north. That is all I wanted to say. Thank you.