Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I took the opportunity to read the Highway Strategy that was tabled on Wednesday. It is called Investing In Roads For People and The Economy. Unfortunately, after reading this document, it is clear that the title is inaccurate. The needs of industry are addressed first and the needs of the people are addressed casually, if at all.
When it is mentioned, it is as a by-product of industry's needs. As I have indicated in letters to the Minister and through statements in the House, the chiefs in my region and the majority of my constituents are interested in having an all-weather road connecting their communities. This road would have the added benefit of serving as a road to resources.
It is highly unlikely that the federal government is going to connect the communities. It is up to the territorial government, industry and evolving aboriginal governments. With greater resource development occurring and more land claims being settled in the North, we talk of revenue sharing with aboriginal governments. How can we expect aboriginal governments to support us if we bypass their communities?
If we go ahead with this strategy the way it is written, it will be the biggest mistake the 14th Assembly will be remembered for. I will have further comments and questions about this important issue at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause