David Krutko

In regards to another issue, what we have been noticing over the last couple of years is that the water levels have been higher than usual. I don’t know if it is because of the amount of rainfall and that, but it is having an effect on the ferry operation on the Peel because it is a cable ferry and once the water rises to a certain level, you cannot operate. We notice that over especially this last summer, the water levels have been very high and because of public safety, they have had to shut down a few times because of high water but, more importantly, with the amount of driftwood and trees...

Mr. Speaker, I could recall when we built the school in Fort McPherson at that time, because there was a possibility of cost overruns, they had to cut back or cut out certain things such as the gymnasium and whatnot. I would like to ask the Minister, is there actually a process that takes away certain parts of the project if it is over budget and that you have to come in on budget that you have to basically streamline that project so you are actually on cost? Is that still a practice of government where you have to actually develop a project on cost and also that means you have to downsize the...

Mr. Chairman, the other issue I had on marine, I know it has come up several times especially from the region I represent, is dealing with the approaches in regards to ferry approaches, the amount of gravel that is being used. I know that this issue came up at a couple of meetings that were held with the department and the Gwich’in Tribal Council. Also this has come up at the Gwich’in assemblies. I know that there have been concerns raised from myself in this House about people that still had used those waterways for traditional activities such as fishing during the summer months and the...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions will probably best be directed to the Minister of Public Works and Services in regard to the bidding process this government has. Like I stated, most of the projects in the past have had some major cost overruns and in some cases have doubled in cost. Back then we used to use the Class D estimates to come up with the figure or the number that we were looking at. I know that the department has made a decision to look at Class C estimates. So I’d just like to ask the Minister, have we seen more accurate costs of those facilities and now we’re...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m just supporting my colleague from the Sahtu. I know that, in most jurisdictions you go to, East Coast, you go to B.C., they have isolated communities, coastal communities who receive ferry services. It is a public service that they provide. Ferry service is a public service. I think that what Mr. Yakeleya is asking for is, has this government ever considered looking at providing services to coastal or communities that are isolated like other parts of Canada, either the east or west coasts in regards to ferry operations to those communities who can scavenge only...

Okay, we are on page 13-10, active position summary, information item. Are there any questions?

Deputy Minister Bohnet.

Thank you, Minister. With that, we will take a short break.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are directed to the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. They are in regard to the agreement we have on the gas tax. In the agreement it stipulates that by March 31st the communities have to complete their community energy plans and their integrated community sustainability plans. Yet, from the information that I have, only 10 communities have completed their plans, leaving 23 communities to complete the work before March 31st. It’s only a month and a half away.

In the information that’s been provided it states that some communities are in the...

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Welcome, witnesses. Are there any general comments regarding the Department of Environment and Natural Resources? Does committee agree to go into detail?