Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I drove into Yellowknife yesterday from my home in Rae. I was appalled at the condition of the road on the gravel surface between here and Rae-Edzo. Mr. Speaker, the road was icy and it was difficult to drive, especially with the light snow on the surface. Mr. Speaker, the poor condition of this road is not an isolated incident. I have raised this issue constantly, both in the House and in letters to the Minister. I have been continually assured by the Minister that this road is a priority and that it is being maintained effectively. Mr. Speaker, there were two accidents along this road this weekend. In yesterday's News/North, a constituent wrote in thanking people for helping her when her vehicle went off the road between Yellowknife and Rae. In October, I wrote the Minister a letter offering detailed suggestions for improving the condition of the road. To my knowledge, none of these suggestions have been tried. Since my letter, there have been more than 25 accidents on this road. The frequency with which accidents occur along this highway leads me to believe that either we have a lot of terrible drivers in the North or the condition of the road needs improvement. As I drive this stretch of road almost daily, I can say with certainty that there is room for improvement in how Highway No. 3 is maintained. In response to the concerns that I raised in my October letter, the Minister invited me to go with him to the maintenance shop to debate this issue with the highway operators. Mr. Speaker, as I stated then, the Minister is responsible for giving direction to his department. I do not have the authority to direct the operators in highway maintenance, but the Minister does. If they don't take direction from him, they certainly won't take it from me. There are problems with Highway No. 3 that need to be addressed. Mr. Speaker, the Minister continues to say the department is doing a very good job and the highway is safe. Mr. Speaker, I have to say the Minister is a total stranger to the truth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Interjection