Herbert Nakimayak

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the response. Definitely travelling around northern Canada you see the advantages and disadvantages of having gravel runways, and definitely the limitations to the certain types of planes that they're allowed.

Mr. Speaker, my final question is: how is the GNWT's partnership in the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative being used to leverage funds and other support for stabilization and enhancement of airport infrastructure in our most northern communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, under the current monitoring and maintenance plan, when will the Nunakput Airport runway surface next be rehabilitated?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the other day I spoke of infrastructure enhancement opportunities in the Nunakput region, focusing on possibilities for a deep-water port in the area. Today I would like to continue that theme, moving forward from the water to the sky or, rather, our small community airports, Mr. Speaker.

There are four airports in the Nunakput region, Mr. Speaker. Flights typically run between these communities and Inuvik, though with some flights to and from Kugluktuk and Yellowknife. Something they all have in common, though, is their runways, native gravel. In fact, just...

I appreciate the response. Mr. Speaker, has the Department of Infrastructure previously explored paving or chipsealing runways at one or more airports in the Nunakput region?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, looking at the plans, it is good to see that the long-term care facilities are getting a boost in beds and taking care of our elders. The Minister mentioned a few times during the session that aging in place is also important. I would just like to point out one of my communities, Ulukhaktok, in particular. That community holds a lot of culture; two different languages, two different dialects, and it is important for elders to remain in the community to continue to blend with the youth and the other community members. I believe, next year, I think it is...

I appreciate the response. It is good to see that things look promising. I know on the other side of the Northwest Passage they are making plans to start construction of a deep sea port. It would be good to have something on the western side of the Northwest Passage.

Mr. Speaker, my second question to the Minister is: has any further consultation or collaboration taken place with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation about the viability of a deep sea port in the Beaufort?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome the Inuvialuktun interpreter and constituent from Ulukhaktok, Ms. Annie Goose, and also the mayor of Paulatuk, Ray Ruben. You will see them around Yellowknife. Also, Chief Ernest Betsina. They are long-time high school buddies, and it is good to see them hanging out, at the levels that they are, and working together. Welcome to the both of you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the response. It is good to see some progress on this. At least looking forward we can ride on the momentum of the completion of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway to advocate for some deep sea services in the Beaufort region, more particularly in Tuktoyaktuk and, as well, some possible dumping sites and docking services in communities like Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk, and Sachs Harbour.

Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Minister is: what will it take to secure a political commitment for this project, and will Cabinet be looking at the viability of doing this as a P3 project?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke of the possibility of the possibility of a deep sea port in Nunakput, and my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, my first question is: has the Minister reviewed the base for the Beaufort report? I would like to know what is being done with this information at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Northwest Passage gains a greater international profile and becomes more frequently travelled, the Northwest Territories would be in a better position to benefit if it had a deep water port in Tuktoyaktuk or Ulukhaktok.

Just as the name suggests, a deep water port can be accessed from a large body of water such as the Beaufort Sea, along with a protected docking and staging for large heavily loaded vessels. Deep water allows for more efficient handling of cargo because large ships can dock at the port and take on cargo directly rather than anchoring...