David Ramsay

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.

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...

Mr. Speaker, the rate we are going, it will start on day one. Thank you.

Thank you. I missed the beginning of the Member’s question. So perhaps you could allow him to re-ask that question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There remains one outstanding claim with ATCON that the department continues to pursue and look for a negotiated settlement to that claim.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thirty-five years. Thank you.

Like I mentioned earlier in answering other questions, in March it became apparent that the project would not be able to be completed in November. We had to go back. We had to look at a way to ensure that the project would be complete in November. We didn’t really want to look at another year’s delay in the project which, undoubtedly, would cost us more money. There were a number of outstanding claims associated with the project. This wraps it all up. It gives budget surety. It gives schedule surety so that we can see the completion of the Deh Cho Bridge. We’re looking forward to the day when...

Mr. Speaker, it’s in our best interests as a government to work with the contractor to move forward and not look back. I believe the negotiated settlement in completing the project and working with Ruskin is a much better approach than going back and dealing with the long list of claims and being stuck in court for a number of years. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, many of the decisions the Member talks about were decisions of previous governments and, yes, some people ask questions and some remain silent when decisions are made by government, and that happens. We got to the position we’re in today. The original budget was $165 million. During the life of the 16th Assembly there was a decision to put another $15 million into the project. Late last year, because of a year-long delay, there was another $10 million decision, and today we’re faced with the $7.2 million to $9.5 million ask of government, to see the completion of...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Member for the question, but that’s more of an operational question. It would be something that I would be more than happy to go back to the department with and provide the Member with the answer. Thank you.