Mr. Speaker, this is a question for the Minister of Transportation. Is the construction of the Mackenzie Highway through the Mackenzie Valley and right to the Beaufort Sea a priority of this Minister and the government?
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, what is the role of the federal government with respect to the construction of new roads in the N.W.T? Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, since the 1980s the Territorial government has assumed responsibility for the highways. It’s always been our point and the point of this government that the responsibility for new highway infrastructure is the federal government’s responsibility, and this government is working very closely with the federal government in terms of seeking out new infrastructure in the Northwest Territories. I’m going to continue to lead that with the federal government. However, we are working on possible partnerships in terms of infrastructure that would benefit all people of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, given that the road to the Arctic coast is a priority of this government, the federal government has the responsibility for new roads in the N.W.T. Now we have access to federal infrastructure funds for N.W.T. transportation and municipal projects. Can the Minister please commit to looking at work that we could include under the agreement to initiate the priority of a section of my access road into source 177? Thank you.
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 ensuring that investment down the Mackenzie Valley is well spent by this government.
