Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Wednesday, my colleague for Tu Nedhe raised concerns that the construction of a deep-sea port in the Bathurst Inlet will affect our territorial economy. If and when this port is built, it could have the capacity to service our mines and the people of the Northwest Territories will not benefit economically.

In response to Mr. Nitah's concerns, the Minister of Finance stated that he felt the best defence was a good offence, and that the government's best response would be to build up our highway system as quickly as possible. This would encourage industry to serve the whole mining area in the Northwest Territories. I agree with the Minister. However, it is a matter of debate as to which roads should be built. The millions of dollars being spent on improving the Ingraham Trail and Lupin winter road do not make good sense. This aspect of the Highway Strategy is shortsighted and overlooks alternate routes that would better serve the people of the North and the mines.

With the many opportunities opening up to residents, because of the national and international interest in our resources, we need to make long-term investments and plans that will benefit both industry and the residents of the Northwest Territories. One way to do this is to ensure that when the diamonds are no longer in the ground, the infrastructure that we have built to access these areas is still of use to residents.