Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] I will speak again to you in my language of South Slavey. A lot of people in my constituency complain about the dismal condition of the highways in the Nahendeh region. [Translation ends]
…urging our government to take a strategic approach and strategy in developing and creating the Deh Cho Trail, the route of highways No. 1 and No. 7, to national transportation standards. Another season on highways No. 1 and No. 7 has our travellers thinking these highways are like pie crusts: made to be broken. My constituents in Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River, Fort Liard, and Wrigley are upset that today the conditions are very poor. Why are they not maintaining and fixing our roads, is their concern to me.
For a short time, travellers in Nahendeh enjoyed a smoother ride when 40 kilometres of chipseal were laid down on this highway near Providence junction. I was very pleased to see this, as we worked hard in getting this into the capital plan. However, a recent article in the Deh Cho Drum highlights the poor conditions of chipseal on Highway No. 1, which our people drove over the course of this spring and summer. The reporter described the previous chipseal as a glorious stretch of road and a delight to drive on, after many dusty kilometres of travel. However, the chipseal began to crack, forcing tires into tracks and opening potholes that exceeded the bathtub sizes I spoke about previously in this House.
Residents are asking for safe, reliable, and well maintained highways. We need to explore all options to find cost-effective, long-term solutions to our road surfacing problems.
I have often made the case that expenditures in our highway systems is not just money out the door but an investment that will benefit our people, our communities, and our North. The benefits are long term, just like the marvellous bouncing buck concept. Many industries and areas will generate financial benefits from increased tourism and related businesses, to increased development opportunities. Also, because some trucking companies did not want to travel these roads, it actually increases the costs of goods to the people of Nahendeh, contrary to the goal of the Northwest Territories of reducing the cost of living.
This government has long promised investment to our highways. I call for a renewed commitment and strategy for safe, reliable, and modern transportation infrastructure for our people. I hope commitments and promises to serve the North will not be like pie crust, Mr. Speaker, and broken. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
