Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are in our budget session, and as I have every year for the last four years as we approach the Department of Transportation, I want to speak to the issue of Highway No. 5. Specifically, the lack of chip-seal and the attention to Highway No. 5 in the capital plan.

Mr. Speaker, very clearly in the debate in this House, the issue of transportation and highways has received the attention of many Members. We have heard of safety as an issue. We have heard of road rage in Yellowknife as a critical issue in terms of getting financing. We have heard of the effect on tourism and inter-community travel and trade.

Once again, it has been very clear that the debate and discussion has focused on the road between Rae and Yellowknife. However, I think roads are an issue for all MLAs and Fort Smith is no different. We have one road into our community and the majority of it is not chip-sealed or paved. It is a gravel road that suffers all the downfalls and shortcomings that gravel roads have, in terms of pot holes and maintenance. It is difficult to travel and has safety issues. I do commend, Mr. Speaker, the maintenance crews and staff in the region trying to maintain the road, but very clearly chip-sealing and paving is the answer in terms of cost savings and effective and efficient operation.

It was with certain dismay when I looked at the capital plan for highways, that once again Fort Smith and Highway No. 5 received not one iota of attention in terms of any kind of money over the next five years. Not one shekel, rupee, drachma, or peso, Mr. Speaker. Not one loonie.

-- Laughter

This is an issue for the community of Fort Smith. I will continue to rise and speak to this issue as we approach the budget for the Department of Transportation. I will once again be asking my colleague, the Minister responsible for Transportation, when, Mr. Speaker, will we see even the remotest recognition that this is an issue for the Department of Transportation. Thank you.

-- Applause