Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a follow-up to my Member's statement. A little background is, in the past, the ice roads opened at a weight limit of 25 millimetres and today, the changes that were made were, you now have to have 35 millimetres to open roads. I would like to ask the Minister: will the Minister be more flexible as we tend to have colder weather in the Mackenzie Delta compared to the southern part of our territory? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Committee, we have agreed to consider Tabled Document 136-18(3). Does the Minister have any opening remarks?

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. O'Reilly.

Thank you, Mr. Testart. Under supplementary health programs not previously authorized, $4,381,000. Does committee agree?

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Mr. Stewart.

Thank you, Ms. Green. Mr. Moses.

Thank you, Ms. Green. Mr. Stewart.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it feels like spring has come early to the Mackenzie Delta. This means that ice roads will probably see a shorter season. Mr. Speaker, last year, the access toward Aklavik closed early due to warm weather, and this year the Department of Infrastructure increased the minimum ice thickness requirements for the operation of ice roads. Increasing the minimum ice thickness means a longer wait for the road to open and a shorter season to use it.

Mr. Speaker, the Hamlet of Aklavik has three projects on the go that were scheduled to be completed by Christmas. The...

Thank you, Minister, and our thanks to the witnesses for - oh. Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Stewart. Mr. O'Reilly.