[English translation not provided]
Mr. Speaker, we talked about a number of things including the Hay River Reserve Access Road. The deteriorating condition of this road was raised as a matter of growing concern to people living on the reserve. Mr. Speaker, the road in question is the access road leading from the Pine Point/Fort Smith Highway junction into the reserve. This access road is a key artery into the community. Yet despite its importance, it has been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair that people are complaining about it on Facebook, and I'm receiving calls from constituents. As well, residents of the reserve have been expressing their frustration, the chief and council, about the road’s condition and the damaging effects it is having on their vehicles.
Mr. Speaker, the road it serviced was chipsealed, and it's in bad shape because of the wear and tear of time and weather. It is pockmarked with cracks and buckles, in addition to some pretty epic pot holes. These conditions make the road dangerous to drive regardless of the season. Thankfully, there is signage and slow down speed limits to warn drivers, but it would be better if the road just got fixed. The good news is that the GNWT’s Department of Transportation has expressed a willingness to do the repairs. Apparently, however, there are issues of federal versus territory responsibility that need to be resolved in order for this work to proceed. Later today, I will have questions for the Minister of Transportation about what actions the department is taking to facilitate this work. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Sahtu.
