Frederick Blake Jr.

As I mentioned in my statement, with the opening of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway November 16th, I know a lot of my constituents - and I’m sure a lot of tourists - are awaiting the opening so they could be the first to travel this road. I’d like to ask the Minister what the department’s rationale is for this decision that will contribute to the isolation of small communities in the region.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Colleagues. Mr. Speaker, it is in this government's mandate to make strategic investments in infrastructure and to lower costs of living. Cutting ferry services and driving up the cost of living especially as the mercury drops is quite the opposite. Residents want to see continued ferry service and, Mr. Speaker, it just makes sense. It would keep communities connected, Northerners getting the supplies they need, and to make it clear to tourists that our small communities are open and accessible. The tourism will only grow in importance once the Inuvik to...

I’m not sure where the Minister gets all his numbers from. Last year alone we had in the neighbourhood of 140 tractor trailers on those ferries. I’d like to ask the Minister: how does the department plan to support the increased demands for travel and access likely to put pressure on regional infrastructure in the lead up and follow of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a follow up to my Member’s statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. I’d like to ask the Minister: what is the Department of Infrastructure’s current intention for winter services on the Louis Cardinal and the Abraham Francis Ferries. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, I told this House how a disruption in the ferry services on the Peel River had stranded residents, tourists, and essential supplies, cutting them off from their homes and their travel destinations.

Now, it seems like no sooner than the Department of Infrastructure gets the ferry running again, that once again staring down the barrel of serious service disruption in the region. I am referring to the cancellation of ferry services for both the Louis Cardinal ferry on the Mackenzie and the Abraham Francis ferry on the Peel River. I have...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. Can the Minister explain the Housing Corporation's rationale for halting construction on the nine-plex building in Fort McPherson? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the construction of a nine-unit seniors' complex in Fort McPherson has been a difficult process from the start. The project, like similar nine-plex buildings in Aklavik, Fort Liard, Fort Good Hope, and Whati, was originally scheduled for completion in March 2016. Then it was pushed to December.

Later this past winter, the contract was finally cancelled. It then took about six months to get things moving again, but the new local contractor got things back on track and back on schedule. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I've heard that the NWT Housing Corporation...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will ask the same question because I did not get an answer there. Can the Minister give me an example or examples of other contracts ever put on hold during the winter months, like we are having in the case of Fort McPherson?

Mr. Speaker, this is a problem that we constantly run into, having contractors underbid projects. Mr. Speaker, it's not the fault of the new contractor that just took on this project here, the reason being that the first contractor underbid this project by quite a lot. I would like to ask the Minister: when does the Housing Corporation expect that the Fort McPherson nine-plex will now be completed and opened to residents?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jessica Andre, one of my constituents who took part in the Northern Youth Abroad, and also the two Pages Thomas Norbert and Shaylene Shae. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.