Wally Schumann

That is a regional function.

This road is not a subsidy for the mining industry. This road was brought forward by the Tlicho Government and it was pushed forward alongside with the Department of Transportation. It's unfortunate maybe the Member didn't get to read the business case before caucus decided that this was part of our 18th Assembly's in our mandate, but it is what it is. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories isn’t getting any commitment from Fortune Minerals or we are not giving them any commitment for this road neither. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, no decisions have been made. Even if we were going to be building this road, we are still waiting to hear back from the federal government on infrastructure dollars of this road and when we receive those funds from the federal government, if we receive those funds from the federal government, how we proceed will be something that the department will have to look at in how we farm out this contract.

The 18th Legislative Assembly mandate confirmed by all our Caucus colleagues includes the investment in transportation which also includes investment in the Whati Tlicho all-season road, so that decision moving forward was made by all Members of this Assembly.

We have ongoing efforts to train and maintain our equipment and personnel for the fire season, so it's an ongoing effort that is continually working throughout the seasons. Like I said in my Minister's statement earlier today, we have taken the opportunity to send a number of our personnel to Alberta to help in their wildfire season, so it's a significant contribution that the Government of the Northwest Territories has done to help Alberta. We continue to work on them on a daily basis.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would have to look into that particular community for the Member and get back to him on what the status is for the Fort McPherson fire break. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that this year’s wildland fire season is off to a slow start compared to the previous two years. As of May 30th, there have only been two wildland fires reported in the Northwest Territories. All indications are the eight-hectare fire near Madeline Lake, along the Ingraham Trail, was a holdover from last fire season, which smouldered underground all winter. It is a strong indication of just how dry forests are in North Slave region. The second fire, 16 kilometres from Kakisa, was person-caused. It was started by an abandoned campfire...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have stated earlier, I will have to confer with MACA and the local government to see where we are at on that process and have a look at it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and same with that particular one. Wildland fire protection plans are a shared responsibility in Northwest Territories. They are jointly with the Department of Municipal… MACA, ENR, and also the local community governments, so I'll have to confer with my colleague and see what the status is on that and with the local government.