Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to follow up on my Member’s statement on Highway No. 7 with the Minister of Transportation. I’d like to know the type of investment in Highway No. 7 for the years 2014-15. Can he outline how much work they will be doing to Highway No. 7 for the next fiscal year? Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Beaulieu.
Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In the plan, DOT has $3 million scheduled for 2014-15. That would be used for resurfacing and chipsealing sections of that highway. Thank you.
Thank you. Just in terms of chipsealing a section of Highway No. 7 from the B.C. border towards Fort Liard, it’s about 36 kilometres. Twenty kilometres of it has already been reconstructed, so we’re looking at reconstruction of another 16 kilometres. Residents are looking for chipsealing some of those kilometres, the ones that have already been constructed, about 20 kilometres. Is that in the plan? Thank you.
Thank you. That is part of the plan, plus I think there will be some more gravel put on some other parts of the highway, but chipsealing the balance of that is part of the plan.
I am glad to hear that. Also, recent developments around Fort Liard, Highway No. 7, lots of traffic coming through. There’s some exploration going on across from Fort Liard. I’d like to know, does the Minister know if industry is also helping us invest in our roads this particular summer and perhaps this winter as well. Thank you.
Thank you. The department has been discussing with industry, increased usage of the road due to economic activity. So, yes, the department is aware of that and has been discussing the possible impacts to the road with industry.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. At the end of my Member’s statement, I also invited the Minister to come and tour Highway No. 7 and speak with the chief of Fort Liard. His first reaction was I’m glad there’s a new Minister, but that Minister must come and ride Highway No. 7 probably closer towards the springtime if we can organize it. Can the Minister do that? Thank you very much.
Thank you. I would like to travel down Highway No. 7 with the Member, provided I drive. I’m afraid he will hit every pothole. Thank you.
---Laughter
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
