Why yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you very much for the support of colleagues on this motion. I just want to point out, in case it wasn't clear, but the application that's specifically referenced in the second clause of the motion around the 41-hectare Frame Lake parcel is not a selected -- is not land selected by the Akaitcho process or any Indigenous group that I am aware of. So that again -- and I gave a lengthy speech about how that works, how interim land withdrawal works. And, of course, the motion also, the final -- or the second last clause talks about not infringing on any Indigenous rights. So I am not sure how that wasn't communicated clearly but just -- I want to really state that, that this motion -- land is life in the Northwest Territories, and it's so important, which is why that's in there, to make sure with absolute certainty there is no question about the potential harm to Indigenous people by inappropriately seizing land that is not ours to take.
Mr. Speaker, the reason why this motion came about is because the City of Yellowknife put together a very nice information package, came to standing committee, came to the board of management, and has loudly advocated for this. And that's the community I represent. I am friends with many of those councillors. I'd like to think I have a good relationship with the mayor. And it was easy to say, well, let's give your presentation package a bigger stage on the floor of the House. I don't see that as interfering with any regulatory process. My good friend from the Sahtu frequently speaks about the need to speed up Mackenzie Valley Highway, something I support, I think something we all support, and I've never heard any concern that we might be stepping on anyone's toes about a specific project in a specific region to do a specific thing. So I am a little surprised today, but that's fine. Everyone needs to make their own decisions. But, again, what I was calling for in my speech is something I think that is important. It's approaching these challenges with public policy and in an unceded, unsettled land claim area, it is incredibly challenging to make decisions because there's uncertainty kind of built into that process until there is certainty. But governments have to act with confidence. We only have 4-year terms, and if we're too hesitant to act decisively, especially when there's an opportunity ahead of us, then things can slow down, and we have a bad reputation of being a very slow government.
So the reason for this motion has been clear: The City of Yellowknife brought this forward. They're great advocates for our community. I am happy to support them in bringing this to the floor. I am happy we could get -- show support from across the territory and that we can move forward. And I hope that all those who are listening understand that this is an urgent matter that needs top priority. Every Yellowknifer cares about this, and I am happy to have supportive colleagues moving forward. And I would request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
