Kam Lake

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

I’m responsible for decisions made during my tenure as Minister of Transportation. This is a decision that I have made, with the support of my Cabinet colleagues, to move this project forward to ensure that the bridge is complete in November. This was the best course of action that the government could take at this time. It’s not easy coming back and asking for more money, but this is the best that we can do. I assure Members that we are doing all we can to ensure that the project is complete this November and that we get the budget surety and certainty that we’re after.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

Mr. Speaker, pertaining to the completion of the construction of the Deh Cho Bridge, this is all encompassed in the negotiated deal that we have with the contractor to complete the project. It is in there. This is our way forward so that we can see the bridge get completed this fall so we can get budget certainty and we can get schedule certainty. Thank you.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

It became clear in March that Ruskin would not be able to complete the bridge in November. We entered into a series of negotiations between the contractor and the Government of the Northwest Territories that would see the negotiated and outstanding construction claims and would ensure that the project was complete in November. I’m not sure if I can make that any more clear than that.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member for the question. Again, it’s our expectation that the bridge will be open in November. We were weighing a few different options in how we could look at this. This was the option that would allow us to get budget certainty and also schedule certainty that would enable us to move forward and complete this project by November.

Again, it wasn’t easily arrived at. We have been in negotiations for a number of weeks with the contractor. This is our best effort to move this project along and get the project complete. Thank you.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

I could never guarantee that. What I can guarantee is we’re doing our utmost to ensure that that bridge is completed in November, that we’re protecting the public purse and we’re moving this forward and we’re not looking back.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to get that information for the Member. Thank you.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

When the contract was originally done with Ruskin – that again predates my time here as Minister of Transportation – there are holdbacks on the construction in that contract and I believe that is industry standard at about 5 percent. That is the current practice and that will continue to be the practice.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

We wouldn’t know that. Obviously, the ask is $10 million, but we wouldn’t be able to define that question at this stage in time. Thank you.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

Yes, years ago there were looks into that subject, but really it remains yet to be seen on what that impact would be. Some would argue that there wouldn’t be an impact, others would say there is and that’s been the debate since I’ve been a Member of this House since 2003. Thank you.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 17th Legislative Assembly set a goal of achieving sustainable, vibrant and safe communities. Today I would like to take a moment to recognize personal safety on our roads and waterways.

The Department of Transportation consistently works to raise public awareness of safety issues. Now that summer is here again, it is important to keep these safety messages in mind.

Cyclists need to wear helmets and follow the rules of the road. When enjoying water activities, wearing lifejackets and keeping mandatory safety equipment on board can save your life. When riding ATVs...