Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have previously spoken about the distressing standard and condition of the Dettah road. The road presents a direct cost to the people of Dettah and those who work or visit there, and there are safety concerns that result from the state of the road. The government well recognizes the need for reconstruction to resolve this dilemma.
Despite their proximity to our capital and the seat of government, this situation has festered to the point where the people of the community are developing their own response to try and deal with it. It is my understanding that through the good work of some caring and can do people, a coalition of agencies and dedicated individuals is putting together a plan to get it done.
Mr. Speaker, where there is a will there is a way. With resourceful people and agencies like the chiefs of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the Mine Training Society, the Deton’Cho Corporation, and even the North Slave region and perhaps our Department of Transportation, partnerships can be made and results can happen. Reconstruction of the Dettah road can be prohibitively expensive as a one time hit for any one player, at least in the short term. However, a number of partners working cooperatively over a period of time on the same goal can actually yield many benefits. In this case, I am optimistic that such an approach can yield a reconstructed and safer road, a bunch of trained workers, enhanced efficiency of financial and human resources, more experienced aboriginal businesses and strengthened working relationships.
Mr. Speaker, as an aside I would like to acknowledge the NWT Aboriginal Business Conference establishing economic cooperation, a conference on northern business and workplace development that’s happening today, as we speak, in Yellowknife.
I am pleased to say that such a coalition of determined partners does indeed seem to be coming together. I do not doubt that our government recognizes that when our people move, this government has a role in recognizing and supporting that commitment. I suspect our Minister of Transportation has such foresight, and I want to acknowledge the fundamental role, perhaps in a more behind the scenes fashion than is typical, his departmental staff may provide in being available to help the people move this project forward.
I have spoken before about what it says when we have a community of original inhabitants of this land living surrounded by expensive, well constructed and paved roads while they suffer with substandard access.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to express my appreciation to all the partners who are working to put this initiative together, and I want to thank the Minister and staff of the Department of Transportation for whatever they can provide in assistance to help it come to a successful end. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
