Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity over the last four years to receive firsthand information and offer my views on behalf of my constituents on the enormous opportunities that continue to unfold for our territory. Mr. Speaker, industries like diamond mining, oil and gas, hydro electricity and tourism, any of which any province or territory would be proud to have are all possible here in the North. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, for every one of these developing industries, our communities and governments are faced with the challenges that increased development presents.

Mr. Speaker, whenever we talk about opportunities available to us, we are inevitably faced with the question of how do we find enough money to deal with the challenges and survive long enough to realize the benefits. We have become accustomed, Mr. Speaker, to facts and figures like employment rates of 70 percent, an unemployment rate of eight percent, projected revenues of $31 billion from oil and gas and diamond mine resources and untold jobs for our residents. Mr. Speaker, we have also begun to speak lightly of our $1 billion budget and $300 million borrowing limit which we are fast approaching and one-time windfalls to this government of $80 million.

I believe all these figures are very significant, Mr. Speaker, as is the $80 million in federal funding announced this week for infrastructure development in the North.

---Applause

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend everyone for securing this money from Minister Allan Rock to the NWT Business Coalition and moreover, the 19 Members of this assembly who have stuck together in our belief that in order to meet our challenges, we need the help of the federal government.

For myself, Mr. Speaker, it's about doing everything in our power to retain jobs and long-term benefits for Northerners including sustainable businesses. For example, Mr. Speaker, when we hear about opportunities connected with the development of oil and gas and a Mackenzie Valley pipeline, such is the need for some 20 bridges and a pipe coding facility, I believe it is our duty to look at every avenue available to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to directly benefit from these projects.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.