Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am still very discouraged about an incident that occurred during the committee of the whole while we were reviewing the interim appropriation for the Department of Transportation. I seriously considered rising on a point of privilege. However, Mr. Speaker, I have calmed down a bit since then and will contain myself.
With a few clarifying remarks today, when we are reviewing documents provided by the Department of Transportation to the committee of the whole, explaining the differences between the 1999-2000 capital plans and the 2000-2001 capital plans, I noted that the department made reference to remarks that I made in a meeting with the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development.
Mr. Speaker, that would have been the basis for my point of privilege. Remarks and procedures of committee meetings are the property of the committee. I was concerned, Mr. Speaker, that in the two pages of explanations on the differences between the 1999-2000 capital plans, and the 2000-2001 capital plans, that I was the only MLA mentioned by name. In fact, Mr. Speaker, every other explanation was dealing with a technical matter.
Mr. Speaker, I was concerned until I realized, in a way, the department actually had given me a backhanded compliment for doing such a great job in committee of the whole. I want to assure the constituents of the Mackenzie Delta, Aklavik, and Tsiigehtchic that I will continue to fight for every capital dollar for my constituency, the Mackenzie Delta. I will continue to examine every line item that is in, on, or about this interim appropriation and capital items, to ensure the needs and aspirations of all Northerners are met. I will fight to ensure that the needs of rural communities are not forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.