Madam Speaker, it has been said in this House many times, and I stand up again, to stress that cell service is greatly needed on Highway No. 3 between Boundary Creek and Behchoko.
Madam Speaker, on Highway No. 3 there is very little shoulder on the side of the road to pull over if you need. This has been the cause of many fatal accidents. There is no room on the road to stop safely, and you are at major risk of being hit by oncoming traffic if you have to get out of your vehicle. Just this past weekend on Saturday, October 29th, we witnessed another accident a small car collided with a truck carrying wood. It was dark; it was in an area without cell service. Luckily, Madam Speaker, this collision was not fatal. However, with wood spilled all over the entire highway, it was a major traffic hazard.
Madam Speaker, there was no ambulance, no RCMP on the scene, because there was no cell service to call for help. A young man was in shock. He was in pain and caught a ride back to Behchoko to the healthcare centre in Behchoko. It's shocking to hear, Madam Speaker, when the RCMP met the young man at the health centre, he was accused of leaving the scene.
To avoid all the unnecessary accidents which have taken so many lives and injured many others, leadership in the Tlicho region have been advocating to the Government of the Northwest Territories for years to establish cell service along Highway No. 3 and to make safety along this road a priority.
The Minister of Finance recognized previously in this House that the lack of cell coverage is a safety risk but, Madam Speaker, I am not seeing a capital budget that delivers more cell towers along Highway No. 3. Just this past summer in the news, an ultrafast electric vehicle charger will be available in Behchoko by 2024 at a cost of $624,000. I am aware this is a federal government project.
Madam Speaker, we asked for cell service and outhouses; we got an electric vehicle charger for hybrid cars. Madam Speaker, it is very ironic that people in Behchoko do not drive electric cars. Madam Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Madam Speaker, it is very ironic that people in Behchoko do not drive electric cars. People have enough struggle to find a house to live in. Not only that, with the high cost of living and low average income in the NWT people cannot afford it. Our region has been advocating for improvements in road safety and outhouses along our roadways, Highway No. 3 and Tlicho Highway, which the Government of the Northwest Territories has not been able to advance but they can build an electric vehicle charger station. I will have questions for the Minister of Finance later today. Thank you.
Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
