Norman Yakeleya

As you know, these roads in the Northwest Territories are very challenging to the department. We have special, unique, harsh climates to worry about in terms of how our roads are put together. That’s why this department is investing strongly in our roads, as the Premier’s indicated in his budget speech, with strong investment to all the region.

You know, Mr. Speaker, that Nahendeh in the last year, 2007–2008, had the highest percentage of investment as a constituency in transportation areas. So we will continue working on the system infrastructure. Once we know that, we will put our initiative...

Mr. Speaker, our department is working very closely with the contractor who takes care of Highway No. 7 — parts of the highway. We are working closely with the community; we are working closely with the contractors and thus would look at some of the plans to open that highway as quickly as possible. We are looking at the situation.

The weather is not on our side at this time, in terms of the type of weather we have to operate in; however, I will keep the Member informed in terms of how soon we could make it passable for people in the Nahendeh riding to drive over. Also, we ask the public to...

When we put in our operation system, the number of years we tested it — the old system.... Now we’re confident we have a new system that will be installed, that will be tested and that will ensure the public will be quite satisfied in terms of ensuring our revenues collected at the Yellowknife Airport will be satisfactory to the department. I will keep the Members informed and the House also informed as to the operation of the new system.

I thank the Member for his interest in improving transportation services across the Northwest Territories, especially with improving services at the airport, such as the territorial airport in Yellowknife. This includes the parking services. Over the years several different types of machinery operations and management systems have been placed at the Yellowknife airport and tested. Increased travel has caused us some difficulties in terms of finding a workable solution. I’d be happy to have some discussions with my colleagues and the Member as soon as possible to rectify this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I said before that the department is working closely with the contractor for that section of road. We do have resources there; we are looking at the situation. I’m waiting for the report from my officials to see the type of assessment and analysis and recommendations they would consider for this road. My understanding is that they are working on it as quickly as possible. At this time I would wait to give further direction as to what the Member’s asking for, in terms of emergency funding for that specific section of the road.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank the Member for his question on the highway emergency stoppage of our roads. Highway transportation, from our department and officials.... The safety of the travelling public is number one. When we deem there are safety issues that jeopardize the lives of people who travel on the highway, we will take great measures to close the highway, to fix it up, and to ensure those safety measures are in place on the highway and, when the highways are opened, that the public is aware of the safety measures in place for their own safety.

With the thawing out in the spring and...

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with the members of the standing committee and honourable colleagues on this side, Members of the House, working with stakeholders and businesses, people in all areas of the Northwest Territories so that we have access, opportunities to talk about funding and working in partnership. I commit that this department will do its best in terms of working with all stakeholders in ensuring that funding, if possible, can be available through the type of agreements that we have. Minister Michael McLeod signed this afternoon with the federal government in terms of...

Mr. Speaker, the Premier’s special statement highlighted the Mackenzie Valley Highway right up to the Arctic coast. It’s been the priority of this department, it’s been the priority of this government for a long time, and I think it’s been a priority of the people of Nunakput.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to discussing with all Members of the standing committee, with my colleagues, once we have an idea as to types of priorities, where we want to invest in the Northwest Territories.

Certainly, the report from the runway-length study has identified some priorities there. I look forward to discussion with my honourable colleagues, and with the standing committee in terms of where we will have the best returns on investment, as a government, within this term.

We will work with the Member, and again, I will share that information once I have the final document.

The Member is correct in terms of a study being conducted. The study is being conducted by ITI and [inaudible]. We’re in phase 2 of the study. I’ll be happy to share that with colleagues and Members once the study is released.

I also want to assure the Member that as Minister of Transportation, I’m looking at investment in all areas and locations across the Northwest Territories to ensure that safety and efficiency is our number one priority in our transportation system.