Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the winter snowfall has not been at levels we had hoped. I fear the Sahtu will suffer the same disastrous low water levels that forced Marine Transport Services to halt all shipping to Sahtu like previous summers.
The communities of the Sahtu rely heavily on our winter road system and summer marine transportation for essential supplies. When either of these critical transportation networks fail, our communities face costly consequences. Mr. Speaker, what happens if we cannot complete all scheduled deliveries before the winter road closes? What happens if winter water levels this summer prevent barges from reaching our communities? Airlift of fuel and goods last year was not a plan. It was a last resort which came with astronomical costs.
Mr. Speaker, I am calling on the Minister of Infrastructure to present a detailed contingency plan for the Sahtu region that addresses potential summer marine transportation challenges. The correspondence between community leaders, government officials, and myself highlights the urgent need for proactive measures. Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, this brings us to the Sahtu region and the Mackenzie Valley Highway. Inspirationally, 2025 will see the complete completion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway business case and conclusion of the environmental assessment.
Mr. Speaker, with integrity, the people of the Sahtu deserve more than reactive crisis management. They deserve a government that plans ahead, that recognizes the unique challenges of northern transportation, and works proactively to ensure the Sahtu communities have reliable, affordable, access to essential supplies. Mr. Speaker, I will not have any questions to the Minister of Infrastructure as I have confidence of support from previous deliberations. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Mackenzie Delta.
