Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Beginning in 2014, the federal government launched a review of the Canada Transportation Act. The purpose of this review was to look forward 20 to 30 years to identify priorities and potential actions in transportation that would support Canada's long-term economic well-being, including that of the Northwest Territories, or NWT, and northern Canada. During the review process, many Northerners contributed, including the Department of Transportation who developed a formal submission highlighting the opportunities and challenges of the NWT transportation system, and met and discussed it with the members of the review panel.
Last week the federal government tabled the final report resulting from this review. I'm pleased to note that several key recommendations for improving transportation in the North are included in the report. These recommendations include developing an infrastructure strategy for all modes of northern transportation, and supporting this strategy by increasing the base level funding in an infrastructure fund for all three territories. The Government of the NWT has consistently lobbied for dedicated base funding to address the needs of our jurisdiction and this recommendation is a positive indication that our voice is being heard.
In its submission to the review panel, the Department of Transportation strongly recommended federal support for key NWT transportation infrastructure projects. The development of three transportation corridors was identified as a priority in Connecting Us, the NWT Transportation Strategy 2015 to 2040, and as part of the 18th Assembly's mandate to capture opportunities for investment in transportation infrastructure that supports community access and economic growth. These efforts have proven effective. I am pleased to inform Members that the final report of the Canada Transport Act Review identifies the Mackenzie Valley corridor, the Tlicho all-season road, and connecting resource development projects in the Slave Geological Province to a larger multi-modal transportation system as transformative nation-building projects where federal corridor development efforts should be focused.
The federal government retains responsibility for the delivery of marine support services in the NWT, including the upkeep of marine resupply facilities. The review panel has recommended that Canada develop a new federal policy vision and regulatory regime that strengthens the safety and reliability of marine transport in the Arctic. Funding support for dredging the Port of Hay River is explicitly mentioned in the final report.
Several recommendations also extend to the northern air sector. Particularly, the report identifies the need to support runway extensions and paving, automated weather systems, and modern landing systems in many northern communities. Augmenting the Airports Capital Assistance the program by investing $50 million over 10 years, or creating a new Northern Airports Capital Assistance Program was also suggested.
The report recognizes that the effects of climate change are having a more dramatic impact on the North than anywhere else in Canada. The report highlights the need for the federal government to continue providing support for the technological innovation as a way to reduce emissions and enhance the performance of transportation systems.
The final report of the Canada Transportation Act Review provides a promising outlook on potential federal support for the NWT transportation system. Canada has committed to using unallocated funds from the National Infrastructure Fund of the New Building Canada Plan to respond to recommendations of the report. We will continue to stay engaged with our partners in the federal government as it responds to the review panel recommendations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for the Status of Women.
