Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the need for infrastructure is needed throughout the Northwest Territories and other regions. Mr. Speaker, this week we’ll be talking about the Deh Cho Bridge. Mr. Speaker, there’s a need for bridges in other regions and the regions I represent, from the Peel River Bridge, which has been discussed in this House, to the Liard Bridge and the Bear River Bridge, which also has been discussed in this House.
Mr. Speaker, this week what happens to the Deh Cho Bridge will set the precedent for the rest of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, as communities and community ownership is a critical component to land claim negotiations, regional claim settlements, and, more importantly, the benefit of the communities that will be impacted by these major developments.
Mr. Speaker, I think it’s important to realize that as Northerners and as people in the North, we expect to receive the majority of the benefits that flow from these projects and have them built by northern companies and northern businesses and also ensure that employment opportunities are arrived at for the residents of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, infrastructure is key to the future development of the Northwest Territories, and what happens this week with the Deh Cho Bridge, again, will set the precedent for future developments.
I know I’m repeating myself, Mr. Speaker, but sometimes you have to do that to get the word across. We have a perfect opportunity for the Department of Transportation to build the capacity that’s needed to look at these other projects throughout the Northwest Territories and improve the public infrastructure from the Mackenzie Highway north of Wrigley to Tuktoyaktuk and connecting our communities to year-round access as we are trying to achieve here with the Deh Cho Bridge.
Mr. Speaker, I realize that things have changed, but hopefully it’s a change for the better. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the debate this week, but I would like to point out to the Government of the Northwest Territories to not lose sight of those other infrastructure needs throughout the Northwest Territories and bridges that are needed in other regions. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
