Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in line with my statement the other day about economic recovery, today I want to talk about the longawaited and major NWT infrastructure the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
Madam Speaker, for decades, it's been envisioned by both territorial and national leaders alike, that the Mackenzie Valley Highway extend from the southernmost tip of the 60th parallel up to the Dempster Highway in Inuvik. Among the first to envision this was Prime Minister John Diefenbaker with his northern vision of developing the northernmost regions of Canada to enable a road to resources, to help unlock the vast mineralrich lands in the territories.
Building on that vision over the years, the Mackenzie Highway slowly grew and extended more and more. But it was not until 1972 that it extended between Fort Simpson and Wrigley, which was only completed in 1994.
Madam Speaker, since that time, there has been many engineering, environmental, and financial studies on the construction plans for the remainder of the proposed highway. In 2014, however, the Government of the Northwest Territories had changed its original plans from the highway by shortening its length by nearly 500 kilometres, only extending it from Wrigley to Norman Wells. Moreover, since 2015, this project has been under environmental review by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. And to date, this review is still ongoing. Additionally, according to the Department of Infrastructure's website, since 2015, 40 of the 42 bridges have been built along with two access roads along the Mackenzie Highway's route.
Madam Speaker, even though I do not reside in, nor am I from any of the communities along this highway's route, as an NWT resident and leader, I consider this project a high priority for the NWT economy. In fact, as everyone in this House knows, this project is a priority for the 19th Assembly to pursue. Despite the fact that fact, however, I'm beginning to be slightly concerned by the lack of progress I've heard on this project's progression during the life of this Assembly. I don't believe I heard one update from our Infrastructure minister or Premier on the status of the Mackenzie Valley Project. Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I do not want this Assembly to forget about the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project or its importance to the future economy of the NWT. This highway has many benefits which includes improved intercommunity travel, a lower cost of living in the project's region, and creating new economic opportunities like increased tourism or greater access to mineral and petroleum resource development. This project will not only benefit the Sahtu or Deh Cho regions but the entire NWT. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure at the appropriate time. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Thank you. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
