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

Mr. Speaker, just to summarize what I've said in the Tlicho language, this bridge that we are talking about here is also in our backyard, the neighbouring Deh Cho area in Fort Providence. We call it...(English not provided)...in our language.

The bridge has already been announced that it's going to go ahead. We are here debating the accountability, the transparency. It's true that we should have gotten more information, whether it be business and economic impact models that have been requested by colleagues of mine around the table here. We met with the Premier on the briefings. Those types of requests have been laid on the table, but here we are still asking for that information. When we look at the true consensus government, we have government in Cabinet and we also have government here. We are supposed to work side by side and not to surprise us to say the bridge is going ahead.

Loan guarantees; words are said as Members here and we really didn't have a say in the process. That's why this motion was brought forward, to say be transparent. Where is the information you are supposed to be sharing with us? Also be accountable. We are accountable to over 40,000 in the North. We are individuals sitting here around the table. We are also responsible for our own region. If this bridge, the way it sounds it's going ahead anyway, how can we explain to our people, how can I explain to the Tlicho region, 3,000 people, that it's going ahead? They may be happy because it's in our backyard but, at the same time, there are others in the region that we have to take care of too.

Mr. Speaker, then again, reflecting back on the information that's been requested, that's all we are asking for. The information was requested awhile back and just recently, as well. Personally, I am not against the bridge because it's going to happen anyways.

---Laughter

At the same time, Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear -- and this is just a recommendation but we have to put it on the record -- this is the Government of the Northwest Territories that are pushing things through. They need to have our input. This is a major project. The ceremony is happening on Friday. I am glad to see my chiefs will be coming back from Smith to attend that. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend, but just to make a note that being transparent is all we are asking for from this government. The next government needs to consider that as well; whoever that may be in the next government. It's a consensus government, so let's work together government to government to government. Mahsi.

---Applause