Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My comments are similar to the previous two speakers. It's great to see a very healthy number here in capital spending. We talk about investment in our economy and our communities, making the North safer, creating real opportunities for business employment, infrastructure is a great way to go. This is a substantial investment in the Northwest Territories.
That being said, there are a number of issues with the long-term outlook of this investment. We've heard it before, that there will be more investment when time comes, and infrastructure investment is the best way to stimulate and develop the economy. Yet we do see a projected decline. Of course, we can debate that at the time, but it's important to consider the long-term plans of this government over our term. That's something that's keenly on my mind, and entirely relevant to the debate we're having today.
I also share concerns about the presentation of the Department of Infrastructure ahead of its approval, especially when there are significant questions around the proposed amalgamation, placing it together, as this does not give Members an accurate picture of the investment of the two existing departments and the reporting structure as it currently exists.
I, too, have a number of specific concerns that I'll raise in the later sections of this document. But I guess I'll say, you know, I do applaud the government for putting forward such a substantial investment. However, we need to ensure that this investment continues throughout the course of this government and that we are doing everything we can, opportunities for savings that this government is committed to achieving? Thank you, Mr. Chair.