Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker...(English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, in summary of what I said, this whole purpose of the motion that's in front of us, I think it has to do with transparency and accountability. They've talked about this bridge for a number of years. Even when I came on board two years ago, I hadn't really heard of the bridge project. I heard it may happen depending on federal funding. If federal funding comes in, then make a move on it. All of a sudden, we are in the 11th hour and boom, boom, boom, we want to build this bridge.

At the same time, Mr. Speaker, we have to consult with our neighbouring groups. We have to consult with the Tlicho Government that are impacted with this as well. Over and over, we talked about the all-weather road, a road to resources, the road to Tuk. Those are key important issues in our region. In three or four weeks, the ferry is not running. We have survived how many years now? I am sure we could survive another thousand years.

I am not saying I do not support the bridge, but we have to get our priorities straight first. That means we have to serve our communities. We must do this together as our elders have stressed over and over every time we go to the community; work together. Have BLT in our community; bannock, lard and tea. Just face to face, let's jump on board, open the door to the big bus that you guys are travelling on. You got lots of room on there. We need to share the information.

All we are asking for is transparency. Give us some documentation that's been outlined here. Once you do that, consult with our neighbouring groups, get their input. What does an elder think in Behchoko? What does an elder think in Whati? As Ms. Lee indicated, we see more people in the community here when the ferry is running or when there is a bridge in, but at the same time we will see even more people come in when there is an all-weather road. We will see more people at Tim Horton's, Wal-Mart, all those stores. They will certainly benefit. Even my colleagues down south, they will benefit as well. Those are key areas that we need to focus on.

I would just like to close off, Mr. Speaker, and that is that we definitely need to share information and move forward. We are sitting here waiting for information. Apparently the bus is starting over there, we need to jump on board. Let's work together. Mahsi.

---Applause