Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the committee review that has been underway by the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, it has become abundantly clear that the road toll bill as presented is not gaining any public support, but it is also obvious that our highways are in serious need of improvement.

Mr. Speaker, if, as I expect, the toll is not approved, we may not be in a position to fix them as quickly as we would like. However, that is not to say there is nothing we can do. With $6 million earmarked for the road to Rae, it is still years from completion. The Minister of Transportation must ensure that the resources of his department are focused on the safety of the public who are travelling on those roads.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents have made it very clear to me that they do not feel safe when travelling on the highway to Rae. I have been contacted by constituents on numerous occasions about these concerns and we must move to address them in some manner.

I note, Mr. Speaker, one alternative that has been proposed to the highway road tax, and that was made by the Dogrib, Deton'Cho Corporation and RTL. They advanced an independent plan to finance accelerated construction over the ten-year pay-back period. I do not believe that these plans were seriously considered. Perhaps, Mr. Speaker, these should be revisited.

In the meantime, short of having roads which are safe for our residents, there must be safety procedures implemented. First must come proper emphasis on maintenance. Just because construction may be on the horizon, we cannot cut back on maintenance. That is the best way to ensure public safety on all those highways that are in poor shape, like the section between Yellowknife and Rae.

The second step, I think, has already been undertaken by the Minister with the announcement on October 26th of the new 1-800 phone number.

A third step that I think we can consider was suggested by a constituent who had a very scary trip on the highway between Yellowknife and Rae last summer. That constituent suggested we consider signs. I know many of us travelling in the south have seen those electronic signs on highways, that are over the highway and warn about icy patches ahead, or construction. I think we should suggest the Minister consider signage to be located at the commencement and end of unpaved sections on Highway No. 3, signs that could be updated frequently by department staff and clearly display the current road conditions and warnings for drivers of that section of highway. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause