Debates of October 21, 2005 (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to welcome all the students to the House proceedings today. My question is for the Minister of Transportation. As of yesterday, the ferry operations ceased in Fort Simpson. I would like to ask what the department is going to be doing about continuing the ferry service in Fort Simpson. Thank you.

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

Return To Question 208-15(4): Liard River Ferry Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we indicated to the House that the ferry was going to be shut down yesterday evening. That did happen. The contractor did park the ferry at 6:00 p.m. yesterday, so the service was discontinued. Operations are now suspended until further notice. We are considering the actions of the contractor to be a breach of contract and have notified the contractor, or are in the process of notifying the contractor, that it is so. We will look at ways to continue the service sometime early next week. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 208-15(4): Liard River Ferry Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to hear that the department is looking at some type of plan to resume service, but next week may even be too late, Mr. Speaker. I have been receiving phone calls from some families, that their propane tanks are at 10 percent. The way propane works, Mr. Speaker, is that at the 10 percent level, the tank is empty. There's a truck waiting on the other side. Can the Minister look at resuming services as soon as possible? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 208-15(4): Liard River Ferry Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have spent a lot of time looking at the different ways we can have the service back in operation, and the time frames around it. Early next week, Monday or Tuesday, is probably the earliest we're going to be able to get the service back in operation, if we can get it back in operation. That's all I can commit to at this point, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 208-15(4): Liard River Ferry Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As well, I have been receiving numerous enquiries about the ferry being actually shut right down. As the Minister is aware, we have freezing temperatures, and a big concern is that our ferry, our piece of equipment, will freeze up and be irreparably damaged, that it won't be running next week. I would just like to know what the department is doing about saving our piece of equipment from freeze-up. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 208-15(4): Liard River Ferry Services

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that is our concern, also. We had some of our people, our staff, go onto the boat last night, and we are taking the steps to ensure that this vessel is safe. It is an asset that is owned by the government, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that it's safe and the security is there. Thank you.