Debates of February 1, 2006 (day 20)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak up on an issue that has growing concern in my constituency. That is the traffic safety at the intersection of the Behchoko access road on Highway No. 3. Mr. Speaker, that stretch of highway is a very busy road used by commuters, truck drivers, tourists. In fact, it has the highest traffic volume on the territory's intercommunity highways, Mr. Speaker. Over the last decade, the traffic along this stretch has increased 30 percent. More people commute from my community, Behchoko, Mr. Speaker, also Yellowknife commuters and down south.

Economic development, notably the diamond mine industries, have also increased the traffic moving up and down Highway No. 3. This increases the volume of traffic on the highway, Mr. Speaker.

It is certainly not the rural road it was once, not in terms of volume of traffic, nor in terms of conditions of the road, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the improvements on the highway between Behchoko and Yellowknife has been a crucial component of the Corridors for Canada project. The project was intended to improve the safety of the road, provide better access for diamond mine industries, and also enhancing the tourism opportunities. The improvement of paving the last part of the national highway system has made a huge difference for the Tlicho citizens, Mr. Speaker; however, it means driving a lot faster on the road, as well. The safety concern could be easily fixed, Mr. Speaker, by installing traffic lights at the intersection. The volume of traffic warrants a light system similar to what is in place at the intersection of, say, Highway No. 3 or Highway No. 1.

I will have questions for the Department of Transportation at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause