(Microphone turned off)

---Laughter

The continuation of the pavement program was not placed in the capital plan due to the excuse of our highway traffic which did not warrant pavement. And it's not praise to Arnold McCallum, Mr. Speaker. It's praise to Bruce McLaughlin who was Minister of Transportation at the time.

However, Mr. Speaker, when the issue of paving was addressed in the budget session, I recall advising the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd, about the inequitable distribution of funds to address paving highways across the north. Mr. Todd immediately took the responsibility of addressing the inequity and found a method to find funds to pave our highway.

Mr. Speaker, I was extremely pleased to see local people working and, in addition, local contractors such as Herons' Trucking and C & R Construction assisting with the paving project.

Hear! Hear!

---Applause

I want to take the time this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, to applaud Mr. Todd's actions.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, this is what we call a good Minister in action, fulfilling his responsibilities. Mr. Speaker, in my experience, Mr. Todd is a Minister who, when he makes a commitment, will make every effort to fulfil it. On the other hand, if he can't do something, he will state it, which I appreciate, because he knows that he is just as candid as I am. Mr. Todd has always tried to accommodate Members, Mr. Speaker, and this is probably why I hardly ever ask him any questions.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to complete my statement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. Mr. Speaker, once the paving is complete, I would welcome Mr. Todd once again to ride on Highway 5 with me so we can see what other paving is required. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage him to ensure further funding be allocated for future paving. But until then, Mr. Speaker, the constituents from Thebacha express our gratitude for allowing our future driving on Highway 5 to be more comfortable this summer and in the future.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' statements. Are there any further Members' statements? Item 4, returns to oral questions. Ms. Cournoyea.