Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For the opening remarks regarding Transportation I’d just like to thank the Minister. On December 23rd we

signed the MOU in Tuk for the Access Road 177 and it’s under construction now. It is employing at least 40 local people in the community and it’s a good stimulus to the community of Tuk and, I hope, the start of the Mackenzie Valley Highway. Moving on to, again, just to thank all his staff, Mr. Neudorf and Mr. Auger. Thank you for all the work you’ve done making this possible. Over the years it was 13 years since my uncle Vince Steen was working on it, so it was good to finally get it in motion.

Now, in regard to our local businesses at the airports, such as Canadian North and First Air, and making sure that we facilitate our northern carriers

where we can support local and northern businesses and good corporate citizens of Yellowknife. I think Canadian North here in Yellowknife has 8,200 staff in the city. I know the flight crews fly through here steady to support the local businesses: the hotels, the taxi companies, restaurants. It’s a big part of the community. So is First Air. The same capacity. I just want to make sure that we’re giving I wouldn’t say preferable treatment to our local carriers, but treated fairly and if they need a new kiosk, they can put it under the belt at the airport under that polar bear.

In regard to the one position in Tuk, the airport manager. I know we’ve talked about it last year. I put a motion forward to get it reinstated. I’ll be doing the same again in regard to keeping that position. The Minister quoted a few times of the safety of everyone in regard to the airline business, especially up in the North. Making sure that everybody is properly maintained on the aprons and nobody gets hurt. Making sure the runways and lighting systems are working. In my riding our manager takes care of three or four of my airports in Nunakput. He’s persistent and he does his job. I really think it should be looked at in regard to saving that position due to the oil and gas industry being able to land 737s the last two years now in Tuk. It was always good to see them in the community and an active role in making sure everything went safely and smoothly at the airport. I think the department should really take a look at that. I always say that’s where all the oil and gas is. It’s true. And I just really want to support my constituent. It’s the only one on the budget this year that’s to be cut. I am going to be bringing forward a motion in the House to get that reinstated. I hope the Minister steps up to the plate with me and makes it happen.

Overall, that’s all I have to say about that.