Debates of February 9, 2023 (day 135)

Date
February
9
2023
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
135
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Mr. Edjericon, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Mr. O’Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon Armstrong.
Topics
Statements

Question 1339-19(2): Frank Channel Bridge

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the Infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, if there are plans around costs and construction, why haven't they been provided to the Regular MLAs, and can the Minister commit to sharing them with us? Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department originally applied for the Frank Channel Bridge, I want to say about $40 million, and now we've gone back to the feds asking for additional 15. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, can we have the cost and detail. Can we have the detail as to the cost of the construction instead of just telling us so then we have a better understanding of what's delaying this Frank Channel Bridge. It's affecting everybody in my region so that's why I just want to have the detail.

But another question that I have, Mr. Speaker, thank you I hope she will answer that too as well. Can the Minister describe the structure, the integrity of the Frank Channel Bridge? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this Frank Channel Bridge is a critical piece of the national highway system, which is maintaining the north/south trade to ensure we have safe, reliable transportation between the communities.

Mr. Speaker, the details on the funding have yet to be determined. I don't know if we, as a government, share all the details on all our costs. It defeats the purpose of having some of the procurement progress on these projects so I don't believe we can share all the details. I can find out and get back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I did ask the Minister for an update previously, and I didn't get the answer yet but it would be nice.

Will the Minister commit to provide me with an update on the condition of the Frank Channel Bridge and the financial aspect too? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our bridge, we review them annually. You know, in terms of the condition of it, if we're able to share it absolutely. This is information that the Member should know as it pertains to her riding. So if we're able to share some of the details on the review of the bridge, absolutely. And I forget her other question. But that's I'll answer that one for now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The next time the Minister comes to inspect the bridge with their engineer, can they invite the Regular MLAs some of the Regular MLAs and the local leaders as well? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that's a great idea. I mean, we're looking at replacing the bridge and to be able to see the conditions of the existing bridge. I'm not sure when the annual inspections for the bridge are. I want to say in the summer. We go out and inspect the bridges across the Territories to ensure that they're safe. And I think the Frank Channel Bridge, if Members and leaders want to come and inspect with the department, then we can see what we can do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.