Mahsi cho. [English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to ask questions of the Minister of Transportation regarding Highway 6. With the government’s recent announcement of cutbacks, I am concerned a much-needed improvement to Highway 6 will now be set back to a much further future date. Currently, Highway 6 is not scheduled to receive any major improvements in the next 20 years, according to a capital needs assessment report. Twenty-plus years is much too long for this highway. The section of road that I’m concerned about is a 54-kilometre stretch from almost Pine Point leading to a highway all the way to Fort Resolution.
My question, Mr. Speaker, is: with the recent cutbacks, will the Minister commit to looking at placing a higher priority on the major work for the much-needed improvement to the 54-kilometre unpaved section of highway between Pine Point and Fort Resolution?
Mr. Speaker, I understand there’s a longstanding need to convene construction and improve the road between Fort Resolution and Pine Point, the one the Member referenced, and the section of highway to Fort Resolution. This section of highway is very close to lake level, and that can be quite unstable, especially during the springtime.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation estimates that the total job would cost up to $56 million. I’m continually looking to see how my department can begin the priority work required to improve the road safety on Highway 6 to ensure Fort Resolution residents have good access to potential future mining and other employment opportunities in the South Slave.
Mr. Speaker, would the Minister seriously look at increasing the current capital amounts scheduled for Highway 6 so the job can be completed?
All capital projects went through the planning process. I am looking at all areas across the Northwest Territories to see about investment in our infrastructures in transportation. I would be happy to work with any Member of the House to see where we can provide safe, reliable transportation needs in terms of providing for our people to transport goods in the North.
Mr. Speaker, I’m not aware if the Minister has had an opportunity recently to drive the 54 kilometres of unpaved highway between Fort Resolution and Pine Point. But I’d like to ask the Minister if he would commit to driving the unpaved section of the highway to Fort Resolution on Highway 6 with me in May so he can see firsthand the condition of that highway.
I thank the Member from Tu Nedhe for the invitation. I look forward to driving with the Member in the springtime or the summer. I propose that we drive when it’s a convenient time for both of us and when it seems most beneficial to the people of Fort Resolution. I’ll be happy to also meet with the people in Fort Resolution and the contractors and to discuss some of the issues of Highway 6 with the Member once we’ve finished driving that section of the road.
