Michael McLeod

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will certainly take the recommendation from the Member very seriously. We will look at the curriculum that is required. We also have to look at the cost of implementing this whole concept. We also have to look at the availability of resources. So we will certainly commit to that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated just now, the legislation requires a driver to obtain a driver’s medical assessment. We will consider, however, the suggestion made by the Member to have an education component and also to make it mandatory. It may be something we will consider incorporating in this legislation. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is referring, I believe, to a submission to the previous Minister. I don’t have that level of detail. I have not seen the document. I will have to take it as notice, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that our cooler weather this winter has been favourable for the winter road system. The Department of Transportation had earlier scheduled this Tuesday for closing the Sahtu and Deh Cho winter roads. The cool weather, however, has allowed the department to get an extra week from the season and extend the closing date for the Wrigley-Tulita, Tulita-Deline and Tulita-Norman Wells winter roads until Monday, March 22, 2004. In order to comply with the Fisheries Act, the department will then begin clearing the stream crossings to make...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the mandatory requirement was something that was considered when this legislation was being drafted. It is something that other provinces and jurisdictions have in place. We had considered it. The difficulty with this whole concept was the limited facilities and programs that we have now. We will take it upon ourselves to look at what the options are on how we can accommodate the amendment that the Member is suggesting. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is quite correct. The former Minister of Transportation presented a bill to the Legislative Assembly in February of 2003. The bill was passed in June of 2003, and the department planned for the legislative changes to come into force early in 2004, and the introduction of regulations to the novice driver program in 2005. However, the funding for implementation and ongoing support is reduced; therefore, we have deferred the bill coming into effect. The amendments to the bill include strengthening the roadside prevention provisions and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, no, I don’t see this as a waste of money or we wouldn’t be doing it. Mr. Speaker, we have to do something immediately to improve the security measures at the airport. A good portion of the funding is coming from the federal government. At this point, we have no other resources to relocate the facility, which would cost probably three times as much as what we’re investing now. The lifespan of this facility will be increased by potentially 15 years, so we feel it’s a worthwhile investment. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our consultations have been taking place with all the stakeholders. There is some concern regarding the expansion of the additional space required for security and the baggage handling, which will take a portion of the parking space. We have some of the stakeholders voicing their concerns that it will have an effect on parking, so we’re looking at alternatives to how we can accommodate that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a number of people from my community of Fort Providence, my home town. First of all, Trinette Constant, if she is still here. She is starting today as my CA and she is down for some training. Along with her is Stephen Farcy and the SAO from the Hamlet of Fort Providence, Susan Christie. Welcome. Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have a number of options on the table that we’re looking at and cost, of course, is a factor. The expansion to the facility at the current location is something that we, at this point, feel is the cheapest option we have in front of us. We are, however, looking at a long-term plan which would include moving the whole facility to a space across the airport. The dollars are not identified at this point and we’re obligated to put in the security measures by a certain deadline, so we are looking at expanding the facility where it is, as is. Thank you.