Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the impacts on the residents for the cancellation of the 2024 barging season. As I spoke in the House previously, the business and residents of the Sahtu region are facing insurmountable challenges right now to get supplies delivered to the community.
Mr. Speaker, it is construction season. It's the time of year when roads, bridges, sheds, buildings, and other construction projects are advancing. It's a very short window but it's a critical season; businesses have projects, people are working, and money circulates throughout the community. When businesses do well, the residents benefit but, Mr. Speaker, when businesses suffer, residents suffer.
Mr. Speaker, right now, businesses in the Sahtu region are in a crisis situation. We are already seeing employees being laid off. We are on the slippery slope. Businesses are scrambling to bring in supplies at outrageous prices. They are struggling to stay open. Projects are being delayed or cancelled all together. Without swift intervention to support the business sector at this point in time, the local economy faces risk of collapse all together. On May the 23rd, 2024, without any preparation, the business community of the Sahtu was left on their own to arrange transportation of food, goods, and supplies needed for the construction season.
Mr. Speaker, the residents of the Sahtu region will inevitably bear the burden of air shipping costs. In fact, the residents in the Sahtu are already feeling this situation. Groceries are expected to increase five times in the coming weeks. In one case of diesel exhaust fuel, which normally sells for $75 a case, is now increased to $400 a case. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mahsi, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. The business community is in dire need of support. I look to the Minister of ITI to find ways to support Sahtu businesses to keep the region from economic recession and to protect the residents from absorbing the financial shock. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.
