Mr. Speaker, the people of Dettah have waited a long, long time for an appropriate road with safe conditions — actually, since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I remember it well.
Laughter.
It was a long, long time ago. The condition of the road is taking its toll on vehicles and people’s budgets. People are really extremely concerned about the unsafe conditions.
Will the Minister of Transportation sit down with the leaders in Dettah to plan and implement, at the earliest opportunity, something to address this situation and get the road properly resurfaced?
Mr. Speaker, I too have driven the road to Dettah, and I understand what the Member is saying. I want to thank him for bringing this issue to my attention.
Mr. Speaker, as Members are aware, there are high transportation needs right across the Northwest Territories. I’m committed to looking at all requests. I too would direct my department to continue working with the leadership in Dettah and with the Member here in terms of looking at this particular need in terms of their safety. It’s our priority in the department to provide safe and reliable roads for the travelling public. I would be happy to sit with the Member and also with the leadership of Dettah to look at this particular road.
I appreciate that offer, and I hope that’s actually a standing offer to all people of the Northwest Territories, all communities. I’m looking for a little extra attention here, Mr. Speaker. We’re only talking 11 kilometres. This is something that’s long overdue. The last piece of work, like I say, lasted weeks or months, and I’m hoping the Minister will commit to meeting — himself with the leaders of Dettah — and getting this road a priority for this government.
I didn’t hear a question there. I must remind Members that it’s time for question period, not making statements.
