Thank you. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

I did make a commitment to the Members that we would look at trying to find a way to accommodate -- and I stress the words "try to find a way to accommodate" -- the concerns raised by the honourable Member and the other honourable Members who have equal concerns.

It may be that we may be able to deal with this particular road under maintenance. I would like to have that freedom. I will take a look at it. I do want to assure everybody that we are going to make every effort to do the best we can with the limited resources we have. I guess that would be the way I would answer that, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. Are we still on Fort Smith or are we on general?

Mr. Koe, we are under total region, Fort Smith, $20 million. Page 09-20. Mr. Koe.

Just a comment on the prior discussion on docks and wharves. I think one of the reasons you are probably not getting numerous requests from western communities is that they are probably unaware that monies are available under this department. Prior to this, it was a federal program under Fisheries and Oceans. Now it is under this Department of Transportation.

I am fairly certain that a lot of communities in the west aren't aware that funding is available for docks and wharves for their communities. I just wanted to make that observation.

Thank you, Mr. Koe. I believe the honourable Minister wanted to respond. Mr. Minister.

I apologize if I misled everybody by saying there wasn't any interest. I did meet recently with Mr. Furlong from Aklavik and the chief from Arctic Red River. There was also some interest expressed from Fort McPherson. The interest is there. We are trying to put together a strategy so we can look for new monies, whether it is for highways or for marine infrastructure.

What we are trying to do with the existing budget we have is try to look at the priorities in each of the areas and try to spend the money in as equitable and as fair a way as possible. I want to assure the Member that he is right, there is some interest there. At this time we are initiating discussions in Aklavik, Arctic Red River and Fort McPherson. They've asked us and we intend to do that in the coming months. This summer I believe we did some small work in Fort Simpson, but very significant. We are aware of this and we are going to make every effort to incorporate their needs, the same as we have done in other communities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Transportation, detail of capital, total region, $20 million.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Inuvik, total region, $2.640 million. Member for Inuvik.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the comments of my colleague from Thebacha on the allocation for highway 8. In the briefing that we were presented on the status, condition, safety, widths, grades and dust of that highway were of major concern. I know it is a definite concern of people who drive that highway; truckers and visitors. I want to make a point that I feel a little more could be allocated to this highway. That's the motion we passed the other day. I hope the Minister will take that into consideration. I know there is a long-term plan for highway 8 and, of course, I would like to see that accelerated and fast-tracked. As long as it is a priority in the department.

Thank you. I believe that was a point but there is a response from the Minister.

Only that I agree with my honourable colleague and I'll do what I can with respect to finding additional resources. But, again, it is difficult. There is no question of that. The importance of that highway is recognized, especially considering the tourism. It is an area I believe that Inuvik, particularly, is getting into with the acquisition of a visitors' centre and stuff like that.

I am told that there is somewhere around -- I could be wrong, Mr. Koe, correct me -- 17,000 people moving in during the summer?

There were 5,000.

Oh, okay. I recognize it, it is not that I don't recognize it. I'll do what I can. Hopefully, we'll be able to make it better. That's all I can say at this time.

Thank you. Inuvik region, total region, $2.640 million. Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

The construction of winter roads are from that capital or does it come under O and M monies?

Mr. Minister, some clarification?

O and M monies, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Koe.

Highway construction and maintenance of winter roads are O and M dollars?

Mr. Minister.

I'm told by Mr. Gamble that is correct. All the construction of winter roads is under O and M. We occasionally put a bridge in, which is capital. But, generally speaking, it is O and M for the ice roads, yes.