I will do the motions later, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the committee has comments with regard to air terminal buildings. The committee is aware that the plan to construct the air terminal building at Igloolik through a lease/build arrangement has generated some interest from other developers seeking similar arrangements. The committee feels that this is an excellent initiative on the part of the Department of Transportation and hopes that the department will solicit more private enterprise to build and own airport facilities as was done in Igloolik and leased back to the government.
In respect, Mr. Chairman, to the Enterprise weigh scale, the committee was informed that the Enterprise weigh scale station yard is too small to accommodate all of the truck traffic required to report for inspection. The building is less than suitable to handle the increased inspection requirements under the National Safety Code. Consideration is being given to relocating it to a larger site away from Hay River where there is less likelihood of environmental damage resulting from a possible hazardous material spill. There is $500,000 budgeted in 1995-96 and a further $1 million in 1996-97 for this task. Mr. Chairman, the committee would like to know if the government can afford this project? Probably not when we cannot afford to provide a group home for handicapped adults who currently have to go to Alberta, for example, once again to reiterate the priorities of the government.
Mr. Chairman, in respect to benefits of transportation projects. During the review of the 1992-93 Capital Estimates the standing committee recommended that Cabinet re-examine transportation priorities from a cost and benefit basis and in light of other fundamental needs. The government's response was that they already do. Quite frankly, that is wrong. Again, the committee was offended by the thoughtless response.
As recommended by the 1992-93 Capital Estimate's review, the committee again recommends that Cabinet re-examine transportation priorities from a cost benefit basis and in light of other fundamental needs.
Mr. Chairman, in respect to the motions on prior commitments for the Department of Transportation during the review of the 1992-93 Capital Estimates the committee was told by the Minister of Finance that prior capital commitments would be honoured and in the capital budget. The committee was informed at that time that construction of the new airport development in Snare Lake would be a two year project beginning in 1993-94 and completed in 1994-95. During our review of the 1993-94 Capital Estimates, we noted that the construction schedule for this project has been pushed back in the budget by one year and will now begin in 1994-95. The committee is very concerned that the commitments have been made to this community and the expectation of the community residents is that this project will go ahead as scheduled. The government has not provided this committee with justification for this project to be moved back in the capital plan by one year. Therefore, the committee feels that this commitment should be honoured.