Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you may recall in my Member's statement I raised the concern regarding the highway patrol on Highway 3. It is very important that we continue to patrol this highway. I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Justice, Minister Arlooktoo, if he would have the RCMP, who do these highway patrols, if they would increase their presence on Highway 3? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great privilege to introduce some of my constituency members coming to visit the gallery and to participate and

listen to the Premier deliver his position on the new Western Territory. The visiting delegates from my constituency are one of the former Chiefs from the Dogrib region, John Nitsiza. Also along with former Chief of Fort Rae, Joe Migwi. Friends of mine, Morris Lafferty, Johnny Dryneck, Susie Joe Mackenzie, Paul Rabesca, Francis William, Alphonse Eronchic, Charlie Mackenzie, Pierre Tlokka, Jimmy Mantla, Phillip Whane and Joe Williah, all from my constituency. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise again to talk about the lack of highway patrols on Highway 3. A few months ago, Grand Chief Joe Rabesca and myself expressed our concern over the lack of highway patrols on the section of highway between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife. As a result of our lobbying, patrols were increased and I would even venture to say that the community of Rae-Edzo saw our first bootlegger charged and sentenced for the offence. This is not far enough, we still have bootleggers and drug trafficking to be dealt with. I believe this is a positive move, but just the first step. I know that more results like this can happen with the cooperation of everyone involved.

However, over the past few months there seems to be fewer or no patrols at all. I realize that many factors are to be considered; staff on vacations, reduction of staff and time restraints all contribute to fewer patrols. I believe highway patrols are very important and they should be increased to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents who travel our highway system. Without the use of cellular phones along the highway, it is very important that patrols are on duty. Their presence is noticed, people do slow down and are more careful. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to comment on the progress of Rae-Edzo airport project. If you recall, last year the Grand Chief, Joe Rabesca announced that as a result of lack of commitment from this government, the community of Rae-Edzo would start construction of its own airport. This project would be considered as on the job training for residents of Rae-Edzo, in order that these residents obtain marketable skills that could be used in the mining sector, et cetera.

I would like to inform you today that there are currently 15 residents working and training at the airport site. Work is progressing at a fairly good rate. There is still a problem securing support for this project. We feel we are demonstrating our seriousness, dedication to this project and would hope that this government can provide support for what we are doing. This project's main focus is to provide training to residents to allow them the opportunity to get employment in the mining sector or within the region. This is very beneficial in the area of high unemployment as we continue to experience. We gain a more knowledgable work force but also gives hope to residents who are currently on income support or nothing at all. This is a very positive project and I would hope that the government supports its residents of Rae-Edzo to complete this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, referring to my Member's statement regarding the campsites along the Mackenzie Highway between Yellowknife and Rae-Edzo, I wonder if the Minister responsible for Tourism has any studies or anything planned for the future construction of the campsite between here and Rae-Edzo and along the Mackenzie Highway between Yellowknife and Fort Providence? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not too sure if my constituent members are in the gallery, but they were, former chief of Dogrib Nation, Alexis Arrowmaker, along with Ted Blondin and Eddy Erasmus. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, over the summer I had the opportunity to travel in our southern regions of our great country. During our trip, I was able to take my time and enjoy the sights along the roads. We often stopped at the rest areas to get out and stretch, and I realized that the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has over the years, developed some very nice campgrounds and picnic areas, all easily accessible from the highways. We have some very beautiful areas that provide residents and tourists great pleasure and relaxation. The department has done a very good job of developing and promoting the various parks and campgrounds it has. However, during my return to Rae-Edzo I looked at the picnic areas on the north side of the Mackenzie River and I found the picnic areas to be in fairly good condition. Between Fort Providence and Rae-Edzo we have two picnic areas for day use only; one at Chan Lake, and the other at North Arm. As I stated, both were in very good condition, but have had no real maintenance or expansion done to them in many years.

This past summer, the department did some brushing at North Arm. It has been years since any capital work was completed at these sites, and what is most disturbing is the fact that we do not have a campground anywhere between Fort Providence and Yellowknife. I believe the department should make an effort to find a place along Highway 3 that is suitable for a campground. The North Arm day use area is the only spot on the 340 kilometre section of Highway 3 which has access to one of the world's largest lakes, Great Slave Lake. Yet, this government has not considered this spot to be considered for a campground. It is a very beautiful area, and I am sure tourists and residents alike would enjoy having a campground situated there. It has always been my understanding that in order to promote tourism, one must have facilities for tourists to stay and things for them to do. How can this be done when we lack

the most fundamental facilities to attract tourism, the campground? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In previous years, the winter road going to Snare Lake, there was some freight subsidy of some sort in place, I would like to ask Mr. Antoine if there is still such a subsidy in place for future freight delivery into the communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, I raised the concern regarding the strong possibility of no winter road being built to Snare Lake. I would like to ask the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Antoine what is the department planning for the community of Snare Lake regarding the winter road reconstruction? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.