Mr. Speaker, spring breakup is just around the corner so let us talk harbour remediation. Mr. Speaker, once again, and in the off chance this government has forgotten, the community of Hay River has the largest inland port in western Canada. It is home to a Canadian coast guard base, a federal department of fisheries and oceans office; our own marine transportation service; and, what could be a viable commercial fishing industry.
The community of Hay River is a major and significant component of our northern transportation corridor as well. It is where truck and rail freight from the south converge to be loaded onto barge destined for isolated communities, 21 north warning radar sites, and mine sites.
Mr. Speaker, last spring the buildup of sediments at the mouth of the East Channel of the Hay River reached a critical level and most likely contributed some to the devastating flooding that occurred. Last spring, summer, and fall, we saw MTS, coast guard, and commercial fishing vessels grounded on sandbars which resulted in damaged equipment, community resupply interruptions, and added cost for community resupply by air.
Mr. Speaker, we are aware that harbour remediation takes money and planning. This government has been waiting on the feds to pay and for the past 17 years it has not happened, so it is on us to fix it. Last fall, a bathymetric survey of the harbour was completed. That work was followed up with a visit to Ottawa by the Minister of Infrastructure and other Cabinet Members, who I understand discussed the issue of harbour remediation and the matter of some financial support for it.
Mr. Speaker, I was expecting the meeting would have resulted in the remediation of the channel prior to spring. Now my concern is that this government will do nothing but lay blame on the federal government, a story line that is becoming old. Mr. Speaker, this issue is critical, not only for the continued viability of Hay River but for our remote communities, our local and northern businesses, our fishing industry, the resource sector, and the livelihood of our residents and businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I was hopeful that the Minister of Infrastructure would have fixed the problem with a winter dredging program. She still has time to make us proud and keep her name off the long list of prior Ministers who were unsuccessful in addressing this issue. Thank You.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
