Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Spring is now over. The ice is gone from our rivers and now we’re starting to see more activity around the Hay River industry around the water.
Hay River is a natural transportation hub. It is the starting point for barges and tugs that go down the Mackenzie and supply goods throughout the Northwest Territories. The harbour is important to the commercial vessels, commercial fishing and recreation users. As well, we have a Coast Guard based there.
The federal government once dredged the harbour clear of silt that comes down the Hay River. In 1994 the federal government stopped dredging in the Hay River harbour. Growing sandbars now obstruct the mouth of the river, making it difficult to navigate the waters for large ships and commercial fishermen. The lower water basin also contributes to the potential flooding each spring in Hay River.
Industry is also interested in dock maintenance as well as dredging. Industry and fishermen are having difficulties getting their ships docked. Residents of Hay River are seriously concerned about the impacts of the sandbars. Without good access to the harbour, industry in Hay River is being limited and residents are at risk. We need to resolve this issue sooner than later.
I have to repeat: Dredging is needed in the Hay River. It helps maintain our valuable harbour space. It ensures open passage for commercial vessels. There is new proven equipment, technologies and expertise available out there. A dredging program would also bring opportunity to build community capacity and use local contractors.
The federal government still has jurisdiction over NWT waters. The Government of the Northwest Territories must pressure its federal counterparts to own up to their responsibilities. The Government of the Northwest Territories needs to consider the Hay River harbour when it plans to spend money in Hay River.
Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
