Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was very disappointed at the fact that Parks Canada had told the community of Fort Smith that they no longer will be providing funding to maintain the winter road. My view in respect to transportation linkage into the Territories and in the Territories and throughout Canada is very, very critical, particularly in the North. This winter road has been open for many, many years. It has enabled the many relatives that live in Fort Smith to communicate with Fort Chipewyan on a frequent basis and, in the last couple of years, allowed Fort Smith residents to enjoy being able to travel on this winter road as far as McMurray and even down to Edmonton.
Mr. Speaker, the cost to maintain this road is in the vicinity of $40,000, and I certainly would like to see that every effort is made to ensure that this winter road continues as a winter road for the years to come. I would support the effort by cabinet, and I would appreciate the support from my colleagues in advising Wood Buffalo National Park that in order for their park to be successful in the North, every linkage or infrastructure of transportation has to be maintained.