Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Ms. Young.

The motion is carried. I will now rise and report the progress.

Okay, we will continue after a short recess.

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Thank you, Minister Moses. Does committee agree that consideration of the Department of Education is complete?

Thank you, Minister Cochrane. Mr. Thompson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a little follow-up to my questions I asked earlier. You know, as I mentioned the Louis Cardinal, it's pretty clear that the vessel has had its time in the waters; it's time to replace this unit, you know, before we have any incidents. We always have to try to avoid these. Always prepare and make sure we have the proper infrastructure. Will the Minister at least commit to doing a planning study to be prepared in case we do have to replace the unit? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I know that may sound like a lot, but actually for a vessel that size I think that's a very good deal myself. You know, with the infrastructure that we are spending, you know, $100 million, $200 million here, $450 million over here, I mean I think that's a small price to pay here. But moving forward, will the department start examining ways to address this cost and meet this challenge? For example, undertaking the planning study?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, follow-up to my Member’s Statement. I have a few questions for the Minister of Transportation. I'd like to ask the Minister, what criteria does the department use to determine when the ferry vessel must be replaced? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday during Committee of the Whole I talked about the importance of planning ahead when it comes to our transportation infrastructure. When the Inuvik-Tuk Highway is finished next year, Mr. Speaker, we can look forward to increased traffic and more visitors; people new to the Northwest Territories who are interested in work, tourism attractions, or even moving themselves and their families North.

Mr. Speaker, that traffic won't just be concentrated on the Inuvik-Tuk Highway. Let me go back to the example I gave yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the Louis Cardinal...

That's all for questions right now. Thank you.