Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Koe on March 4, 1993 with respect to the policy on shipping freight by NTCL north of Norman Wells.
It has been a policy of the Government of the Northwest Territories since 1979 that all major GNWT shipments to the western Arctic and Keewatin regions are to be carried by the Northern Transportation Company Ltd. Government support for NTCL over these many years has been thought to be necessary to maintain a viable common carrier service in the western and central Arctic for the benefit of both the public and private sectors.
After 14 years, it is time to reconsider the government's transportation policy to see if it still serves its original purpose and if exclusive public support for a designated common carrier is still necessary. The transportation system is the life blood of our northern economy. The government cannot change such a central economic policy hastily, without giving all due consideration to its possible ramifications.
As my colleague the Minister for Government Services and Public Works stated earlier, we expect to deal with the transportation policy before the fall session. In the meantime, I would welcome any advice or suggestions the Members or their constituents might have to give me. Thank you.