Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Several years ago, the Sahtu region's future was poor at best with the low world commodity prices, closure of the Norman Wells oil field. Mr. Speaker, two projects initiated by the Government of Northwest Territories, they were the Sahtu Health and Long Term Care Facility and the 12 kilometer Canyon Creek all-season road.

Mr. Speaker, these two projects greatly contributed to the region's economic downturn on providing employment and opportunities; respectfully, the Tulita Health Centre also.

Mr. Speaker, today is federal budget day, and the Sahtu residents are anxiously waiting on the announcements under the National Trades and Corridor Infrastructure programs on the long awaited Mackenzie Valley highway, connecting the last frontier of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, connecting the region, the Sahtu region, in my view, is a sound investment. The early NWT mining discoveries were in this region. The region's 26 per cent land quantum to the NWT holds vast, virtually untapped, resources.

Mr. Speaker, it is the Sahtu's respectful position on returning assistance for the two aforementioned projects in its contributing acknowledgment to the NWT GDP by allowing an all-season road connection. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions to the Minister of Infrastructure on the Canyon Creek and the regional health centre project benefits. Mahsi.