Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A gravel source is very important for many reasons. We need gravel for the upkeep of the highway, for the ferry landings, and for community use. With the high cost of fuel and transportation, it is important that we find a gravel source that is close to the community and readily available at a competitive price.
While Tsiigehtchic has that gravel source right in its backyard, extracting this source will benefit the community in many ways like training, employment, and this venture will help the economy of the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, today, if any community within the Beaufort Delta region requires top-grade gravel, they have to rely on a company from the town of Inuvik. With the high cost of fuel and transportation of the material from Inuvik to Tsiigehtchic, the cost of gravel will have increased substantially, and that extra cost is usually passed on to the customer.
Mr. Speaker, Cony Bay is located 20 kilometers away from the community of Tsiigehtchic, and a few years back the gravel source was tested and considered an excellent source to extract. This gravel source could also be used by the neighboring community of Fort McPherson at a competitive price compared to the community's present supplier. The Department of Infrastructure would definitely benefit from this venture because of the demand for top-grade gravel to keep the Dempster Highway in a safe driving condition should be a priority to the GNWT.
Mr. Speaker, with the collaboration of other stakeholders, such as other government departments, local Indigenous governments and private industry, this venture would benefit the community, region, and territory through employment and training opportunities. These training opportunities will open other doors to employment within the community region, territory, and the rest of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, every community in the Northwest Territories has something that contributes to the economy. Our involvement as a government is vital in making these and other ventures a reality in enhancing the economy of the NWT. The community of Tsiigehtchic and the Government of the Northwest Territories should act on this venture as soon as possible. The solution to top-grade gravel, employment, and training opportunities are waiting at the door of Tsiigehtchic. Let's open the doors to opportunity for the community, region, and the rest of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Member from Mackenzie Delta. Good timing, Member for Mackenzie Delta. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
