Mr. Chairman, with regard to the motion. I was just wondering whether the committee has based its recommendation on any kind of statistics? My concern is that I don't know what the motion was based on. I could see myself supporting something like this is, if it is justified. In Fort Providence, every year during the summer months there are about 6,400 vehicles that cross in a three month span. Once the winter crossing is open, the amount of traffic is also great. I would like to know what the statistics are for the Liard crossing and the Arctic Red crossing that would justify this motion. And, of course, Mr. Chairman, the other thing is whether the committee looked at the age of the highways.

The first highway ever built was from the border to Hay River; two, between Enterprise and Yellowknife; three, was to Fort Smith; fourth, was to Simpson; five, the Dempster; and, the very last one is the one to Fort Wrigley. We should be able to use that as a basis. The priorities that we set have to be based on the volume of traffic, the age of the roads and the safety factors. I don't mind supporting a motion like this if the whole purpose is they are undergraded roads and the safety conditions are important. At the same time, I don't think we should be taking away from other projects that have already started during the 11th Assembly.