Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To follow up on the statement from the Member for North Slave on the highway, I would like to state that two weeks ago community leaders from Rae-Edzo, Yellowknife and the surrounding area met to discuss the upgrading and reconstruction of Highway 3 between our two communities. The meeting was co-chaired by Fred Behrens, Mayor of Rae-Edzo, Dave Lovell, Mayor of Yellowknife, and Grand Chief Joe Rabesca. In attendance were council members from Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife, the four chiefs of the North Slave region, the Yellowknife MLAs and the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable Mr. Steen. In all, about 35 of us gathered in the Caucus room here at the Legislative Assembly

to discuss this important issue. It was a very productive meeting. Collectively, we all want the same thing; a safe and efficient highway system.

There is dissatisfaction that the reconstruction of Highway 3 is being scheduled over a ten year period which those at the meeting felt was too long and people stressed the need for fast-tracking this project. In the NWT the highway system is of major importance. It provides the most economical means to connecting our communities. It is vital to our tourism industry and it is the backbone to mineral and resource development. A review of the national and international highway studies confirms that investments in highways can generate significant productivity, growth and support economic development.

We are now awaiting word from the Minister on the results of his further meetings and the level of funding the federal government may commit to a possible National Highway Strategy. My opinion is that public safety is being compromised by not moving faster in upgrading Highway 3. Further meetings of leaders from the North Great Slave region are being planned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause