Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have been concerned for many years about the inclination of governments across the country to seek a big bang solution to economic problems. It has long been my opinion that mega projects such as a natural gas pipeline or massive mining projects would proceed despite what governments do and not because of what governments do. They would be largely self-financed and what they would ask from government is consistency, stability, fairness and the clear framework from which they can operate. They do very little to advance our economy for the long-term growth of our people. They often help to create a boom and bust cycle which is socially destabilizing. However, in the large Canadian context they help fill the federal government coffers where we have to recognize we get 85 per cent of our money from. It is obviously in our interest to make sure that they proceed and that we do not put unnecessary obstacles in their paths. The mistake is in believing that mega projects will provide a future for our people. We have a small population spread over a very large area. The challenge for our people is to identify some small niches where we can support the few families in every community if possible.

This afternoon, Mr. Speaker, there is a very important session at the winter cities convention dealing with the issue of transportation. I shall be absent from the House because this is of great concern to my constituents and of interest to many people of the Northwest Territories, and it may have some impact into our future economic development. Thank you.