Yes, This is a comment in relation to the needs of the Minister and his staff, as I have said on a number of occasions, to take a much more aggressive approach to this whole transportation strategy and our relationship with the federal government.
I have not heard, to date, anything encouraging about any kind of cost-sharing initiatives for some of the basic transportation infrastructure that many of these communities want. Whether it is roads, marine, or otherwise.
We are not going to move this country forward, and Mr. Pollard has said it on a number of occasions, without some basic transportation infrastructure. Whether it is airstrips that can bring the right kind of aircraft in, docking that can bring larger boats in, or more fundamental roads that can move our goods and services.
I will be bringing this to the Minister's attention over the next few months and asking for his attention on this important initiative. He must be much more pro-active, particularly in these difficult financial times where the cost of developing this infrastructure is horrendous. Whether it is trying to build a road or build a wharf, the dollar value is enormous and without some kind of aggressive, joint initiative with the federal government, it going to be long after my time when we see the kind of infrastructure that is necessary.
So, I feel it has got to be a priority with this government. I think that the strategy that was developed perhaps requires some modification, but it is a basic tool that we can move forward on and set some priorities. Naturally, you have got to move within the times. Whether it is in mineral exploration or changing political attitude. However, the framework for moving forward on negotiations to seek some financial support to provide this basic infrastructure is there. I really think it should be a priority of the government and I would hope that in the coming months, the Minister would see it as such. Thank you.