Thank you, Madam Speaker. First of all, let me say that I appreciate the efforts of past Ministers in ensuring that the quality and safety of our northern highways were maintained. I know that the present Minister is equally committed to improving the visibility and road conditions on our highways. Now if we could get together with the Minister of Renewable Resources and keep the buffalo from pulling hit and runs on me, I would be very happy.

---Laughter

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Madam Speaker, I have made some slightly negative comments in the past regarding our over-enthusiastic highway patrols, but that was a long time ago and I am sure Members have forgotten. In fact, I have changed my opinion, along with a lot of motorists and constituents in recent months, as we have made some startling observations.

Since the chipseal program began between Fort Providence, Yellowknife and Hay River -- a stretch of road I have travelled often -- I have noticed heavy vehicles travelling the highways at dangerous, unsafe speeds. They travel much faster than they need to and it is a great danger to the ordinary passenger vehicles.

I should note that many of these large vehicles are northern-owned and operated, which surprises me. Not only are they a danger to motorists, but their excessive speed is damaging the road surface and costing us money as taxpayers.

In one instance outside of Hay River, I can recall a large truck passing five vehicles in a row, including me, at a speed of at least 140 kilometres per hour. We can do without this dangerous activity on our highways. Madam Speaker, lately, I can say in all honesty, I have noticed more buffalo on the road than highway patrol units and would like to encourage the Minister and the Department of Transportation to increase the number and frequency of highway patrols, if at all possible, to address the problems before there is serious tragedy. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Speaker's Ruling