Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to talk about a couple of transportation issues that have been on the horizon of that industry.
Across Canada there have been a number of concerns emerging that are under public discussion, which are all about cellphones and smoking while driving in vehicles with children present. The issue really is about the public debate and the fact that there needs to be a public debate on these types of issues for transportation here in the North.
I’ve had a number of constituents come forward through e-mail to talk to me about what our government is doing on these issues that have come on to the horizon of safety of our people, whether there’s the safety of children inside the car or, of course, there’s just the safety of other people driving along the road. Many supporters of cellphone usage, of course, say that drivers won’t be distracted. But other people say that there are a number of distractions on the road, so would that add to any better situation?
I’m not an expert in these areas, but I think it’s critical that we get out there and have these types of debates. Provinces like Nova Scotia moved forward and banned smoking with children present in vehicles. I think that’s an interesting and bold move, because they’re worried about the safety of those children. There are a number of provinces who talk about things like enforcement and the difficulty of that.
When we look at these emerging transportation issues, you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that if you’re not distracted, you’ll probably be driving safer. And, of course, we all understand that smoking in cars is a concentrated focus, and affecting children is a very difficult thing that we don’t want to do.
The reason I raise this as a rising transportation issue is that the concern is out there, and at this moment I don’t see the Department of Transportation leading a discussion, and that’s really all I want.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to add the fact that it’s on principle that we get out there and find out what the citizens need to know. It’s critical we find out what they want to hear, and I want to hear from them as well.
The fact is that public discussion is the principle and the basis of why I raise this issue today. I’ll have questions for the Minister of Transportation, to make sure we get out there, find the facts of these issues and find out if these types of things really work in the Northwest Territories and if would it make our roads safer and better.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
