Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I only have a few comments to provide. I had the opportunity a little while ago to visit the airport and see the new development, the baggage handling area. I would like to say, from my perspective, I was happy and very appreciative of the tour that was offered of the facility. I think Ms. Lee and I were the only two Members who happened to make it down to see the conveyor belt system where the baggage has to travel through. I was quite appreciative of what was brought forward as I learned about what was being done there. I thought it was a great result that the baggage is being screened to ensure that it is safe, although I personally believe it's a little bit of overkill from the transportation point of view of Canada's position. But I see northerners are meeting the challenges that are being put forward to us, so I recognize that the ministry of Transportation is taking a higher directive through CATSA. I liked what was being done there.
To continue on the airport theme, I am also delighted to say that I like the development of the way the airport's been going. It was a major concern of mine that we shook the utilitarian look of that facility and bring in some windows, get some natural light in there and some feeling. I am seeing results of that, so I am very pleased the department is listening to concerns that have been raised some time ago, but they were heard, obviously. It has a nice personable feel to it. You don't feel like you were locked into a warehouse waiting for your plane. I am very happy to see that the department has responded. It's more of an enjoyable public place. I guess that's really what I can say.
As far as the highway is concerned, it's nice to see that Diefenbaker's dream from back in the '50s is hopefully coming to its last phase. I hadn't quite thought of naming it the McLeod Highway, but I certainly thought that; of either McLeods. The dream is finally coming true about opening the North to the rest of Canada. I think it helps to solidify our rightful place in Canada to show that we are truly part of it and the highway system, I think, demonstrates Canada's commitment to us as northerners and as Canadians.
Just quickly moving through, the last area I want to mention is the drivers' licence initiative. I brought this up a number of times with the Minister, as he knows. He's probably tired of hearing me bring this up because he will be quite happy when, as he pointed out, this spring he will finally come forward with a new driver's licence card. I am sure he'll say that's the last time I will have to hear from Hawkins on that matter. So he will probably be very happy.
I am quite pleased, as well, that the department is bringing back the service of notice renewal for this. I think that's a truly tremendous initiative being brought back because, through my perspective as an MLA and just a regular citizen, the people out there who I have spoken to feel that the revival of the service is a basic service. There is a feeling that this need is required. It's a small thing that people enjoy and serve. I am glad the Minister is listening. I am glad the department is meeting the needs of the people. I think it's a basic service that our government can deliver in meeting the needs of the people. I am very pleased that that is coming back. I don't have to harp or lecture about how painful it was for people to remember after five years. They know the story and they are obviously finding ways to overcome the challenges where people sometimes forget their renewal.
In closing, Mr. Chairman, although I don't have a question at this time, I just want to say that I think it should be well stated that the Department of Transportation, from my perspective over the last little while, and I certainly see it as well in the future, is definitely meeting the needs of some of the requirements that we are putting here. From my perspective, that's all I am going to put forward at this moment.