Michael McLeod

Mr. Chairman, I think we do some costing in terms of comparison of what it would cost to try to build an all-season road. We have taken some measures only because we have been assisted by the federal government. For example, on the Tlicho winter road, we will be moving forward to take what is now an ice road or a road built over mostly lakes and stream crossings, put it on land and make a winter road that is a little safer than the current one utilized. Mr. Chairman, it is quite difficult to look at the potential of building an all-season road without the federal government’s involvement...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Building Canada Fund was set up to run over the course of seven years. We have put in three budget years of submissions. There are still four years. The Member is correct, of course, that the federal government has indicated their desire to fast-track the programs. There has been no agreement reached yet. That is still something we are looking at in terms of additional funding or funding at the end of fast-track in two years. There is some concern that fast-tracking with the amount of money we have, given the resources we have, would really be a challenge. We expect...

Mr. Chair, the new regulations that will come into force in 2010 require that the different aircraft, different sizes, be able to demonstrate that they are able to land and take off in certain runway lengths. That does not require us to extend our airports. We did a runway assessment and the Aklavik runway is at 3,000 feet and we continue to feel this is sufficient.

Mr. Chairman, the Member is correct. Any time we have a river crossing or a stream crossing, the perfect solution is a bridge.

Mr. Chairman, there is, I guess, the need to engage the federal government on such a project. We are watching them with great interest to see where the P3 office will end up. We have not seen any projects funded through this program. They have indicated that they still need to set up their board and that has been moving very slowly. Failing that, we would need the federal government to step up and provide the necessary resources.

As I mentioned, there has been some interesting developments over the last while on the Peel River Bridge and we will keep working with the Member on it. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, we do have a concession agreement for the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation to build a bridge. They have been drawing down as the project proceeds.

Mr. Chairman, we do not have that project in this year’s capital plans.

Mr. Chairman, I don’t believe I have that information in front of me. I’d have to commit to provide it to the Member.

That is an area for concern and we recognize as a result of some of the issues that have come forward regarding highways and given the lifecycle of our culverts. Also, as our roads age, our culverts are also in need of replacement. We have stepped up our inspections and will continue to have more inspections as we go forward. We also will be doing accelerated repairs to try to keep up with the demands that are being placed on the culverts, given their age. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe the amounts in the budget for ’08-09 are posted that way because of the timing and the approvals. Thank you.