Thank you, Madam Chair. We have had a great deal of success working with industry in the Sahtu when it comes to winter roads. We’re looking forward to continuing that partnership with industry as the resource is developed in the Sahtu. We are also looking for more opportunities to partner with industry. There is potentially a lot more opportunity when it comes to winter roads in the development of winter roads in the Sahtu. Potentially, the opportunity I think will also exist for all-weather roads once the resource is developed and it’s more proven up. I do believe there is a tremendous opportunity to work with industry and the federal government to see some permanent all-weather roads built in the Sahtu.
I know we just had a meeting with Husky recently. They are intent on building 35 kilometres of all-weather road across the river from Norman Wells. There are opportunities there. There is the Sahtu Explorers Group. At the earliest opportunity, we will be meeting with that group to discuss opportunities and possibilities for the Department of Transportation and the Government of the Northwest Territories to work with industry to advance our mutual goal, and that is to improve the transportation infrastructure in the Sahtu. We certainly look forward to that.
In regard to the Member’s comments about staffing and resourcing offices in the Sahtu, again, I think as development continues and activity increases in the Sahtu, those types of staffing resources will certainly have to be given a great deal of consideration by the government and by the department. I want to thank him for raising those concerns. Mahsi.