Debates of November 30, 2007 (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in my Member’s statement, I spoke to the state of transportation in the Beaufort-Delta. Another concern I had was the ice bridge at the Mackenzie River. It is not a $165 million bridge, but it is a bridge that allows goods and services to come into the Beaufort-Delta quickly. The concern I have, Mr. Speaker -- and I am going to direct my questions to the Transportation Minister -- there is an important piece of equipment that is used for making ice at the Mackenzie ice crossing stored 150 kilometres away while we have a storage yard 150 yards from the site. Does the Minister know why we are storing this piece of equipment by the Yukon border? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Yakeleya.

Return To Question 90-16(1): Mackenzie Ice Road Construction Materials

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie ice bridge crossing machinery I think the Member is referring to is right now at what I have been told is the location that the department feels is the only location that it can be stored at. I did check into it and asked about other areas that it can be stored in. It is not being used right now. That is where it can be stored in terms of safety and security reasons.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 90-16(1): Mackenzie Ice Road Construction Materials

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister why this piece of equipment is not being used. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Yakeleya.

Further Return To Question 90-16(1): Mackenzie Ice Road Construction Materials

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is due to budget constraints and certainly budget reductions in the department that is unable to use this machine at the Mackenzie ice crossing at Tsiigehtchic.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 90-16(1): Mackenzie Ice Road Construction Materials

Well, Mr. Speaker, if it is budget concerns they are worried about, why is the machinery stored 150 kilometres away when it can be stored at the Transportation yard right at the Mackenzie River right at Tsiigehtchic? I would like to ask the Minister if he is aware of the cost of hauling this piece of equipment 150 kilometres there and 150 kilometres back? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Yakeleya.

Further Return To Question 90-16(1): Mackenzie Ice Road Construction Materials

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, even though we did haul the machine to the area the Member is referring to, it is going to sit there. It is not in the budget. It has been reduced in terms of our transportation. We are looking at ways we could bring the machine in and possibly use it in the future. However, again, we are going through the process of planning priorities. We will see if this is something that is really needed. I will continue working with the Members in terms of making this machine available to the people of the Delta area.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Final supplementary, Mr. McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 90-16(1): Mackenzie Ice Road Construction Materials

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister again, how much is it costing the department to transport that machinery back and forth? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Yakeleya.

Further Return To Question 90-16(1): Mackenzie Ice Road Construction Materials

Mr. Speaker, right now it is not moving so it is not costing the department anything.