Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister confirm whether all funding that is required for the bridge has been secured? Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is speaking specifically for Frank Channel Bridge. In December, Cabinet, most of Cabinet, were down in Ottawa having discussions on some projects. You know, we've had very positive discussions with Transport Canada. So pending approval for funding approvals, permit applications, then this project will be submitted, with the construction commencing once these authorizations are received. So, yes, we did receive initial funding. It's not enough. Like many projects here in the territories, we've gone back and asked for more. So we are hoping to get some positive response from that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is a liability issue. So what is going to happen after 20232024? That's why I asked that question.
Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell this House when will the Frank Channel Bridge be replaced? Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, like I mentioned that we are looking for funding cost escalations on the bridge. Once we get that, we have discussions with Tlicho government to be able to work with us in partner to be able to get this bridge done. I wish I could put a set date when this will be completed or started. Right now we're pending approvals for funding. Once we get that, we know it's a priority. We know it's something that we need to get done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, this bridge, Frank Channel Bridge, is important for all of us, for all the Northwest Territories as mentioned. So I want to ask the Minister when was the last structural assessment completed on the Frank Channel Bridge? Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is something that we are looking at. You know, the Member talked about public safety on the bridge. There are a number of things that we could do as a precaution and perhaps impose things like weight limits, additional inspections, rumble strips, perhaps more signage. These are a number of things that we can do to mitigate some of the risks on that bridge. But in terms of when the last inspection, I'd have to get back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is the same answer for a year. So what is the plan if there is no money? What if the federal government says there is no money, so what is the plan after this?
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Well, you know, as I mentioned, when we were in Ottawa we had some really good discussions for the Frank Channel Bridge in speaking with the transport Minister. As for the plans, right now we're looking at getting costs escalations for the project. And if we don't get that then perhaps that we need to come back to Cabinet. That's the only alternative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
