Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the people in my region are hard-working and self-sufficient. They would like to see more job opportunities so that they can support their families, grow their economy, and contribute to vibrant, thriving communities.

One of the key things this government can do to strengthen our northern communities is to invest in transportation infrastructure. Good roads enable the mobility of our residents, lower the cost of goods, and enhance food security. This is especially true for large infrastructure projects which support new investments, even more construction, and increased tourism. These are the kinds of benefits that the people of the Mackenzie Delta need. Tsiigehtchic in particular asked me to let this Assembly know how much they are counting on job opportunities that these projects bring.

Now that the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway is completed, the GNWT must now turn its attention to securing funding for new road projects, especially more major projects like the Mackenzie Valley highway to Wrigley.

Right now, the majority of tourism spending and other big-ticket spending like people buying snowmobiles, trucks, and boats happens in Whitehorse. With more roads and projects, it could happen in our territory. Mr. Speaker, to celebrate the opening of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, the Minister of Infrastructure pointed out that expanding our transportation system connects residents to new social and employment opportunities and stabilizes the cost of living in the territory. It also increases our resiliency and ability to adapt to impacts of climate change and provides better access to natural resources. With all of these benefits, I would expect that Minister Schumann would be leading the charge to get the next big highway project underway. If he is having trouble coming up with a plan, I want to suggest that the GNWT could start with an ice road between Tsiigehtchic and Fort Good Hope. Later today, I will have questions for the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.