Mr. Speaker, today is the day many of us in Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife have waited for, for many years. As we heard earlier from the Minister of Transportation, today is the signing of the contract to start construction on Highway 3 from the Frank Channel bridge to Stagg River. This project is the start of the reconstruction of one of the worst sections of highway we have in the Northwest Territories. Although this project is slated as a many year project, we are starting and that is the main thing. I would also like to add more good news, this project will also be done by two local Rae-Edzo companies, Nishi-Khon/SNC Lavalin, and Arny's Construction in partnership with Pelly Construction. As one can imagine, not only will these two local companies benefit, but there will be spinoff benefits to a number of local companies in Rae-Edzo.

This project will also provide a number of jobs and training opportunities for Rae-Edzo. These include drilling and blasting, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers and surveying, supervisory training, as well as other important jobs. This is very important for my community, we are currently experiencing a 43 percent unemployment rate. I look forward to seeing my residents working on this important project and developing positive working skills that will assist them for the future. I would like to congratulate these three companies for their successful bid to improve Highway 3 and bringing badly needed employment to my community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.