Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also have questions for the Minister responsible for Infrastructure. In follow-up to my questions last week, I would like to ask the Minister: are the ferries in Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson ready for launch? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As of the latest information I had, we are still going through some refit stuff. There is actually some painting going on both of the ferries in the Member's riding. There is ongoing work and also site preparation to launch the ferries. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Last week, as I kind of figured, the water dropped significantly in my riding of Tsiigehtchic and also in Fort McPherson. Is the department starting the work on the landings and making everything ready so that, once a ferry is launched, they are ready for service?
As I said last week in this House, I think we anticipate the launching of the ferries in a timely manner, as it normally is the first or second week of June. Like I say, we are doing some painting. We are doing inspections. We are doing some maintenance on the vessels. I do not know if the loaders and stuff are out fixing the approaches right now, as they could be soft still from the water levels just recently receding. I can check into it and update the Member.
You know, it is different every year, as the Minister just explained, but usually as early as the 1st or 2nd of June, the ferry is usually ready. As soon as we have no ice on the river, they usually launch the ferry and build up the landings, start operations. We have a graduation this coming weekend. Does the Minister think that the ferry will be operating by then?
I will have to check with the department to see where we are with a number of these things. Like I said, with the painting and the repairs and stuff going on and the site preparation, I cannot commit to this House if it is going to be ready or not for graduation this weekend. We will see what the department comes back with about how things are going on the ground.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to ask the Minister: is there anything that is holding back the ferries? Are they waiting for any parts or anything at this time, or are they just doing the final preparations for the ferry? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I believe there have been some challenges around accessing parts and stuff, but I believe that, going forward, with all the other work that is happening, I do not believe that will impede the delivery date of when we are going to put the ferries in during the first or second week of June.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.
