Debates of October 19, 2007 (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the previous government made a spending decision, a decision to spend an additional $2 million a year on the Deh Cho Bridge project; a decision that wasn't ratified by this House, the Regular Members on this side of the House. I wasn't going to ask questions, but today I'm going to ask the Premier what is the status of the Deh Cho Bridge project, Mr. Speaker? A lot of people would like to know. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

A lot.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.

Return To Question 2-16(1): Status Of The Deh Cho Bridge Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the government of the 16th Assembly, we're starting out on a path as we set priorities here for the Northwest Territories. I can't reference the work of the previous Assembly, as we are now in our time of government. What I can say is with the Deh Cho Bridge, we know where it's at in the sense of the agreements that were signed. There are a number of outstanding issues that this government has to look at when it comes to the final matters that are being worked on. The fact is, recently there was an advertisement put out on the navigable waters permit. That is one of the issues that are outstanding, so we're waiting to see the results of that and that lies in the federal government's hands at this time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 2-16(1): Status Of The Deh Cho Bridge Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier referenced contracts being signed and I know we don't want to go back to work that was done by the last government, but specifically what contracts have been signed and what are the obligations of the Government of the Northwest Territories -- and I'm talking about his government -- what are the obligations his government is going to have going forward on the Deh Cho Bridge project, Mr. Speaker? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 2-16(1): Status Of The Deh Cho Bridge Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Members are aware, the contracts that are being signed are not from the Government of the Northwest Territories; they are through the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation group as well as potential constructors of the bridge. There has been, from the work that was done previously, we know that there's a commitment to start some of the early earthwork process. But ultimately, no contracts or, from our government side, no liability is being held until we know, for example, they get the permits from the federal government as well as get an agreement on the final price of the bridge. We know there's some work done in that area, but those are the two issues that are outstanding and we're proceeding on that basis. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 2-16(1): Status Of The Deh Cho Bridge Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for that, but I'm trying to understand how the process is going to work. I haven't seen one contract; I haven't seen anything that's been signed by the Government of the Northwest Territories. I'm wondering if this government is going to be any different than the last government. Are they going to share information with the Regular Members of this House on the role out of the Deh Cho Bridge project, or is all going to be done in secret like the last government was doing? That's the question I have for the Premier. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 2-16(1): Status Of The Deh Cho Bridge Project

Mr. Speaker, we are going to be transparent in the work we do. Of course, much like our own work here in the Assembly, when we have areas of confidentiality, we're going to have to recognize those as well. I commit to inform Members as we progress on any number of projects that are out there; but as we establish where we are and the Ministers receive their assignments, they'll get up to speed in the specific areas and be ready to meet with Members when committees are structured. We will be ready to proceed at that time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Supplementary To Question 2-16(1): Status Of The Deh Cho Bridge Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am just wondering in terms of costs. Is there a final cost on the Deh Cho Bridge project and the tolls that are going to be associated with this project? Where is the financing after this project, Mr. Speaker? That is the question I have. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. Mr. Roland.

Further Return To Question 2-16(1): Status Of The Deh Cho Bridge Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is something we will need to, as we are just getting foothold here and proceeding, get up to date on where things are sitting right now. The fact is the information was shared with previous Members of the Assembly -- I believe it is public -- of where things were all based on the act that was put in place a number of years ago when the Deh Cho Bridge project first became live and a potential reality in the Northwest Territories. There is a commitment on the Government of the Northwest Territories' side. When it comes to the concession agreement, that is where the GNWT becomes involved and the potential impact of that tonnage, the toll that would be charged as the bridge is constructed all based on that act that was put in place in I believe in 2004. Thank you.