Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today should turn out to be the last day of a very hectic Third Session of this 14th Legislative Assembly. As in the past session, this one would not be complete if I did not inform this House of my continued fascination with this booming capital city of Yellowknife and what drives it.
It is said, Mr. Speaker, that when a city reaches a certain size, it begins to feed on itself and growth is inevitable. It is also said that cities create their own climate and weather patterns. I have always found Yellowknife a bit breezy myself, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, in one of my previous lives, I sold and installed central vacuum systems. One thing that I learned about vacuum systems is that in order to sell them, you need a good product. A good product has a good piping framework, a good motor, lots of suction, and a good warranty.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to compare this city with a giant vacuum cleaner. One that is driven by the very best motor in the industry, this government. The piping framework extends into every department and the suction is so strong that it sucks up everything before anyone has a chance to see it lying around.
-- Laughter
The warranty for this powerful machine, Mr. Speaker, is our very own Finance Minister, Mr. Handley.
-- Laughter
Borrowing millions to fast-track the completion of Highway No. 3 is like adding 100 horsepower to the motor and increasing the size of the intake hose.
It is no wonder, Mr. Speaker, that we see new hotels and motels going up around Yellowknife. Every day, I see or hear of another conference, symposium, meeting or workshop bringing people from every part of the Territory and beyond, sponsored directly or indirectly by this government, a major industry in itself, Mr. Speaker.
I keep hearing that this government does not want to be seen as empire building. Well, if that is the case, Mr. Speaker, we should extend the piping framework throughout the Territory and, for at least a few days of the year, reverse the air flow, or should I say the money flow. By the way, Mr. Speaker, that constant breeze in Yellowknife is caused by that giant vacuum cleaner running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause