Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is a beautiful place in northern Canada. We have the second largest river in North America and several of the deepest lakes in Canada. “Wild” and “pristine” are words we use to describe the North in the promotional materials to draw in visiting tourists that may either fly or drive north. Mr. Speaker, I went home on the weekend and drove from Yellowknife to Fort Providence. I understand that summer time is the time when repairs and construction for our highways take place. I came across intermittent stops for construction. I ask travelers on the highway to obey all signs and especially the areas where construction is taking place. Of particular interest is the area of the highway between Yellowknife and Behchoko. This section is riddled with potholes and dips that could cause even the most experienced driver to slow down and be weary of possibly careening off the road. Some potholes are not marked and provide no warning to the traveler. A few people describe this section of the highway as ad and in terrible condition. The road has seen better days. Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho Bridge has enabled uninterrupted traffic 24 hours a day, from Enterprise to Yellowknife. We also have heavy transportation of goods during the winter season, with large truck hauling supplies for the diamond mines. We need to remember that it’s our lifelong residents that use the highways the most and efforts have to be made to improve the road conditions so that they are safe and enjoyable roads to travel on. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I’ll have questions for the Minister responsible for Transportation at the appropriate time.
