Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday during Committee of the Whole I talked about the importance of planning ahead when it comes to our transportation infrastructure. When the Inuvik-Tuk Highway is finished next year, Mr. Speaker, we can look forward to increased traffic and more visitors; people new to the Northwest Territories who are interested in work, tourism attractions, or even moving themselves and their families North.
Mr. Speaker, that traffic won't just be concentrated on the Inuvik-Tuk Highway. Let me go back to the example I gave yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the Louis Cardinal Ferry at Tsiigehtchic. Already, I've heard and seen line-ups at the ferry stretching back a couple hundred metres. What will the line-ups look like when visitor traffic increases? We need to plan for a larger ferry, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, what about repairs, mechanical problems, and other issues that come with an aging ferry? The average lifespan of a modern vessel is 25 to 30 years. The Louis Cardinal was built in 1972, 44 years ago, and began operations in 1978, 38 years ago. In the past, it's been discussed that the Louis Cardinal could be replaced with the retired Merv Hardie Ferry, once used at the Mackenzie River crossing near Fort Providence. But Mr. Speaker, the Merv Hardie is even older, it sailed its first voyage in 1972, before the Louis Cardinal even hit the water. For a practical investment that serves the needs of the Northwest Territories residents as well as the territorial tourism economy, we must consider replacing the Louis Cardinal Ferry altogether. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. Earning your driver's licence is a milestone for young people and a stepping stone to many skilled jobs, but highways, Mr. Speaker, are not the only way to get around. Strong and comprehensive transportation capacity liberates and empowers communities and individuals. For example:
operating four-wheelers and snowmobiles helps us access the land and our traditional practices;
barges bring essential supplies into our communities;
ferries like the Louis Cardinal, which makes stops at three landing sites, connect communities to each other for supplies, and to opportunities for growth, and provide employment opportunities for local people.
We know that capital planning is a slow process. With that in mind, it's time to start planning for the necessary replacement of this vessel. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I'll have questions for the Minister later today.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
