Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the last almost 40 years, the people of Fort Smith have been lobbying and working toward a direct road south. Last week, on Friday and Saturday, we had in Fort Smith the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State for Parks, and Ethel Blondin-Andrew, visit the community, work and listen to what the community has to say about this road. They flew over the route and spent a good deal of time in meetings listening to the people while they were there with the band and Metis. Mr. Speaker, this latest initiative on the part of the community was given its boost last April when the Honourable Sheila Copps was in Fort Smith to announce the relocation of the parks headquarters to Fort Smith. At that time she spoke very positively about the road and building. The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew invited Mr. Mitchell to Fort Smith, and he came as I indicated on the weekend.
Mr. Speaker, the community leadership pulled together on this particular initiative especially under the leadership of Mayor Martselos. The community had a full day of activities that cumulated in a fine community feast. The honourable Mr. Mitchell was very positive about what we had to say and his reception did the community proud. I would like to congratulate the community leadership and all the people in Fort Smith who worked together to make this event such a positive one. Hopefully, the message we receive from the federal government in the not to distant future about the road south will be a very positive one and move this process along. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.