Debates of October 30, 2006 (day 18)

Topics
Statements

Member’s Statement On Access Road To Tuktoyaktuk Granular Source 177

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over the last three years I have been pursuing funding in the budget to construct an access road from Tuktoyaktuk granular source No. 177. Mr. Speaker, I have indicated on numerous occasions, source 177 is only 22 kilometres southeast of town and it is the closest source that will address the gravel needs for Tuktoyaktuk.

Mr. Speaker, the Tuk Highway Working Group met with Premier Handley and the Minister of Transportation and the working group was able to receive $25,000 to conduct a survey of the access route. I appreciate the funding from the Department of Transportation. In order to gain access to source 177, this government needs to identify funds in the 2007-2008 budget. I believe this can be addressed through the access road funding under MACA.

Mr. Speaker, by allowing funding to build an access road to source 177 it will bring economic employment and business opportunities to the Beaufort-Delta. Many small business in the Beaufort-Delta will benefit if this access road can be constructed this winter.

Mr. Speaker, I understand the Premier met with the mayor, the deputy mayor and businessmen from Tuktoyaktuk on October 19th, 2006, in Norman Wells. My understanding from this meeting there was a commitment from the previous Minister of Transportation, Michael McLeod, to have someone from the department assist the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk in preparing an application for source 177. Has this been done to date?

I understand, also, that the Department of Transportation is organizing an Inuvik to Tuk road committee stakeholders meeting in the near future. When will this meeting take place?

At the same time, at the same meeting, the Premier indicated he would set up a meeting with Minister Prentice to discuss the further funding source for 177. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like the Minister of Transportation to work with the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and identify funding in the budget to include an access road to source 177 so that granular requirements of Tuktoyaktuk can be accessed for long-term use. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause