Wally Schumann

Thank you, Mr. Chair. When we bring forward the business plan for the YZF, it will be published publicly. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The department will have to have a look at this and see what we can share without jeopardizing the procurement process of this project. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

We already provide a safe operating surface if you drive to the speed limit that is posted on the highway. It is a posted speed limit that makes it safe to commute on that section of highway, and we will continue to monitor the situation going forward.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The data we have on permafrost degradation indicates this road is continuing to settle and will probably be continuing to settle for the foreseeable future. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On my left is Jayleen Robertson, assistant deputy minister; and on my right, is Mr. Paul Guy, deputy minister of Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have talked quite a bit about the O and M on this road. On a P3 project, though, that is part of the proponent's bid. Whoever the successful proponent is is going to have to build and construct this road, guarantee it for 25 years, and look after the O and M and capital costs of all the maintenance of that road going on for 25 years. It has nothing to do with us. It is just part of their bid package. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe our maintenance budget is sufficient to maintain the road for particularly the wintertime. I think the issue around Highway No. 3 between here and Behchoko is the infrastructure deficit that's out there because of permafrost degradation, and the department is working to address that as we go forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is not based on the amount of traffic; it is based on structural assessments, as I said, for all highways in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

We've worked with Northern Adaptation Initiative administered by Transport Canada and we've done a significant amount of research with their help to understand climate change and the impact on our airports and runway system across the Northwest Territories. We've also invested in drainage improvements, as we expect that this will become increasingly more challenging with permafrost degradation, and we will continue to work with them.

The other thing where we do work within the federal government is the Capital Asset Assistance Program, and we're always in discussions with them on how we can...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. All three are believed to have Tlicho involvement, but when we do the evaluation of the three proponents when the bids come in, that will be part of the evaluation process. Thank you, Mr. Chair.