Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, now a million dollar question, if you will: when can we expect the ferry services to be extended through the winter extension like it has in the past?

Mr. Speaker, it's funny the Minister is saying we need to communicate. Last year, in this very House, I mentioned to the department that we will have extended hours because it is so warm, yet the department pulled out the ferry prematurely while the river was open another almost two weeks. It's funny that the department has that response.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Infrastructure is responsible for the laws and policies that govern road, air, and marine transportation, not to mention the infrastructure itself. What actions is the department taking this winter to keep the costs of living...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the high cost of living in the Mackenzie Delta and Beaufort-Delta region. My constituents work very hard to keep their homes warm in the winter, to feed their families, and to maintain their vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, these costs, the costs of the normal business of daily life, add up very quickly. Imagine living in the Mackenzie Delta in 1978, where we waited on the banks for barges to come in to deliver food and supplies. I can't imagine the costs related to all the supplies or the amounts of trapping that had to be done...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, how is the department preparing for the end of the ferry season and the beginning of the ice-road season to ensure as smooth a transition as possible?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. We know that Fort McPherson ran out of gas in Tsiigehtchic and ran short of groceries during the last winter season. How is the department prepared to prevent these kinds of crises in our small communities this winter? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Would the Minister like to respond?

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Ms. Green.

Clause 11. Does the committee agree?

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Testart.

Thank you. Clause 5. Mr. Testart.