Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to provide Members and the public with information related to the future Mackenzie Valley Highway to Tuktoyaktuk.
On Friday, January 29th, the Government of Canada announced it has agreed to commit $3 million over two years toward a $7 million project description report on the construction of an all-weather highway from Wrigley to the Dempster Highway. This report will work in combination with a previously announced $1 million commitment to a project description report for the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk portion.
With this announcement, the Government of Canada has partnered with the Government of Northwest Territories to take a necessary next step leading to the construction of an all-weather highway connecting the national highway system through the Mackenzie Valley to Tuktoyaktuk.
The project description report will provide baseline environmental and engineering information required for the consultation and regulatory process of the proposed route of the Mackenzie Valley Highway. It identifies the scope of work, predicted impacts and mitigation measures that will be required when the project proceeds. It will provide an opportunity for communities that will be affected by the highway to identify concerns and requirements to better inform the planning process for the design and development of the highway. It is an important next step for this project, which has been identified by the 16th Assembly as a significant priority.
In combination with the work that has already been done in building 34 of the 40 required bridges for the Mackenzie Valley winter road, this funding announcement is an indication that our government’s efforts to put the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway on the agenda of federal decision-makers has been at least partially successful. Members have my assurance that this government will continue to make the case for federal funding and support for the construction of a Mackenzie Valley Highway that will lower the cost of living and improve economic opportunities for the valley, and that will connect Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.
