Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to offer a few general comments on the Minister's opening remarks. I will save any questions I might have when we get to the pages in the detail. There are a couple of things I would like to mention. The hiring of apprentices I think is a huge move. I am a big supporter of apprentices and the fact that the government is going to bring a few on, train them within the government department. I think it is a good move and it is a good opportunity for someone to take advantage of those positions. The $47 million, I am a little curious as to this. It says the level of funding remains high due to ongoing federal infrastructure initiatives. Are they coming up with the ideas or the initiatives and we are paying for them? Are they matching the money? The way I read it, they came up with the initiatives and the territorial government continues to pay for it.
The money going into the Dempster Highway, $5 million, much needed. It is an adventure driving the highway sometimes. I've driven Highway No. 3 and I have driven Highway No. 8. I will take Highway No. 3 anytime. Highway No. 8 can get very dangerous with all the loose gravel and everything, but the more money we can put into the repair to the Dempster, upgrading it...One comment here I found kind of confusing, or maybe I will ask about it later on, is talking about the number of highways that were nearing the end of their lifecycle. I am curious to know how does a highway reach the end of its lifecycle? I know how buildings reach them. I am just curious about the highway.
As usual, I continue to be a big supporter of the Mackenzie Valley highway. I think it is something that is long overdue. I think it is something that is badly needed right down the valley. It will benefit everybody. I said it before. So I am looking to see what Transportation comes up with as far as a plan goes or how they plan to pursue the federal government. We all know that we are losing money every day to the federal government and some of that could be going towards a highway for our benefit.
Mr. Chair, those are just a couple of the general comments I have on the Minister's opening remarks. When I come to the page for it on the detail, I will have some questions for the Minister. Thank you.