Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, as we look outside, the snow is here and the winter road is coming for the Sahtu region. Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement today is on the upcoming annual winter road construction and maintenance season, which totals a coverage area of 670 kilometres.

The residents of Sahtu region look forward to this project for a variety of reasons. I guess the highest on the list would be taken out of isolation and access to the outside world, and also the construction and maintenance opportunities and employment that it brings. Also just the opportunity and freedom of going out visiting family and friends in other communities and within the Sahtu communities as well, as well as the ability to go out and get cheaper energy, meaning firewood.

In preparation for these opportunities it presents and knowing the physical position of our government, later I will have questions to the Minister of Transportation on staffing and operations. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.