Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, following the very exciting news over the weekend and the Minister's statement today, I would like to take this opportunity to give my unqualified, unfettered, unequivocal recognition and appreciation for the $80 million the federal government will be investing in our NWT highway and transportation system.
Mr. Speaker, any way we cut it, this is great news indeed. Eighty million dollars is a huge sum of money for us, and one that is very timely to be coming our way for the purposes that it is.
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This really is a concrete and tangible example of what we as leaders can achieve for the benefit of the people we serve when we put our collective heads and political will together into a well-laid-out plan and sell it aggressively and cohesively. It's time for everyone...
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...who played a part in it to give themselves a pat on the back. I would particularly like to congratulate the entire Cabinet, especially Premier Kakfwi, on a job very well done.
A special recognition should also be given to the NWT Business Coalition, Chambers of Commerce and NWT Association of Communities who worked tirelessly on this cause. I would also like to recognize the federal government; everyone from Prime Minister Chretien on down to all responsible Ministers, including Minister Rock, who have taken the time to hear our case and act on it. A particular thanks must also go to the Member of Parliament for Western Arctic, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, who, as our representative and an important bridge between the federal government and the NWT, has played a crucial role in delivering this very needed money to the North.
Mr. Speaker, I would be completely remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to give one more plug for the urgent need to complete Highway No. 3. It's no longer an option of setting priorities, it's a matter of safety for Northerners. It's the most travelled road in the North, but it is literally crumbling. I'm sure the government agrees with me that there are now no road blocks in completing this highway as soon as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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