Definitely, the recommendations that were made by NTCL would require a lot of consultation with the people that live along the Mackenzie River. There’s no question about that. The main issue was due to the fact that this year they had record low waters, and often when NTCL monitors the water and they notice the water levels dropping, they’re always comforted with the fact that it usually comes back up in the fall. That didn’t happen this year, so this year we had probably a record low of all time water levels in the Mackenzie River.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The reason that the LP does not speak to vacant versus any position is because the LP is about layoff versus laid off. This is where we are coming forward with that amendment. We are not coming forward to amend other parts of the public service in this LP. The detail on how we can insert “vacant” versus “any” position, I will ask Ms. MacNeil to provide what the steps would be in order for us to bring that LP forward. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No, I don’t.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With me today is the deputy minister of the Department of Transportation, Mr. Russell Neudorf.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we head into this year’s heating season, I would like to take this opportunity to update Members on the energy conservation work that the Department of Public Works and Services has been doing.

As Members know, with our northern environment, energy conservation and management are important elements in controlling costs and supporting effective and efficient program delivery in all communities of the Northwest Territories. Our government’s investments in energy efficiency and alternative energy solutions are reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, lowering our...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The money would be carried over to the next year.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The responsibility for navigable waters and dredging and so on in any of the waters is the responsibility of the federal government. However, we have invited NTCL, the main carrier that goes from Hay River up the Mackenzie along the Arctic Coast to participate in our multi-modal Transportation Strategy.

As far as the docks go, we used to receive money for docks. We don’t receive that anymore. We do put some money into docks through our Community Access Program and help some small communities with docks.

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we have been working with the community. We approved a substantial chunk of the Access Program money for the purchase of a bridge that will span the Willow River, and now we are reviewing a proposal for an ATV trail and also a proposal for the insulation of the bridge. Thank you.

[English translation not provided.] Mr. Speaker, building a safe and effective transportation system is vital to support the development of a sustainable economy and meeting the social needs of NWT residents. Goals identified by Members of the 17th Assembly express the significance of improving transportation services across the NWT to reduce the cost of living in communities and to create employment and business opportunities for residents.

To this end, the Department of Transportation is updating its NWT Transportation Strategy to guide further development of our integrated air, road, rail...