Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, climate change is impacting our ability to get fuel, food, and other resources into small communities. The winter road system we currently use is vulnerable to climate change. In fact, the winter road to Gameti opened on February 27th. This will most likely be one of the shortest winter road seasons on record. I have elders, contractors, and residents who do not feel that they can use the winter road systems due to the rapidly changing ice conditions. Some people do not feel safe.
Mr. Speaker, I don't blame these people because in the past I do not blame them because in the past we have had trucks and people fall into the ice. This is a major problem, Mr. Speaker. Our people, in small communities, risk being further isolated. This isolation will definitely drive the cost of living up even higher. The Tlicho AllSeason Road was an example of strategic infrastructure that supported the goals of our communities and helped to mitigate the impacts of climate change. An allseason road into Gameti will not only help address the impacts of climate change but also lower the cost of living for that community.
Mr. Speaker, this is a huge project, but work can be done in the short term to help map out where this road can travel. If the government works with the community, there can be important progress made in the development of this road. The Tlicho region has a deficit in our existing infrastructure, Mr. Speaker. If connecting Whati to the North Slave is the first step, then the next logical step would be to continue the road and transmission line to Gameti and eventually to Wekweeti. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
