Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I consider a post-pandemic world, one that appears more chaotic by the day, I'm reminded of the quote by Deepak Chopra: "All great changes are proceeded by chaos."

A year ago, I was speaking about the need for realistic or zero-based budgeting instead of sticking with the status quo and putting faith in the idea that we could wait until things got "back to normal." Just like the world after 9-1-1, I think we can all finally agree we are not going back to a pre-COVID world. And rather than waste time crying over spilt milk, we must use this time of chaos to create real and meaningful change for the people of our territory.

The resource extraction sector is our largest economic driver and will remain so for a long time. Therefore, we must take measures now to ensure that this revenue source is protected and that exploration is able to rebound. Remember, Mr. Speaker, it takes over a decade for an exploration project to go through permitting before it becomes an operating mine producing royalties. Given the lack of exploration projects on the horizon, we should all be very concerned about where our economy will be in ten years.

Our massive infrastructure deficit is hurting our territory. Mines want clean energy to operate and need roads to move supplies and concentrate. Therefore, it is imperative that our three strategic infrastructure projects continue to advance, Not only to directly lower the cost of living and connect our residents but also to encourage investment in our territory.

I can't stress enough how critical the Taltson Hydro Expansion, the Slave Geological Corridor, and the Mackenzie Valley Highway are to the NWT's future prosperity. We must ensure northern companies that hire northern people are given priority in procurement. We need to end the lip service around Indigenous involvement and introduce financial repercussions when obligations aren't met. Whether they be infrastructure projects or mining-related, our people need to be more than just laborers or housekeepers on site. Government must work with Indigenous governments to advance regional mineral strategies and help facilitate the conversation between them and industry And we need to expand funding initiatives such as the Mining Incentive Program.

Mr. Speaker, one thing we know how to do is build roads. With climate change, it's imperative we replace melting infrastructure with permanent all-season community access. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I promise this is the last time.

With climate change it is imperative we replace our melting infrastructure with permanent all-season community access. Further investment in roads, including pushing for 100 percent federal funding, will keep Northerners employed while addressing the critical infrastructure gap that impedes investment in our territory. We should also plan for linear infrastructure corridors where telecommunications and power lines are run alongside transportation routes to facilitate development in the region. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ITI at the appropriate time. Thank you.