The ferry operation is a joint venture run by the Liidli Koe First Nation of Fort Simpson and the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation of Wrigley on behalf of the territorial Department of Transportation. It was with great pleasure that myself, Chief Gabe Hardisty of Wrigley, Chief Herb Norwegian of Fort Simpson and I am sure the Minister of Transportation, the Honourable John Todd, watched as elders Ed Hardisty of Wrigley and Batiste Salteaux of Fort Simpson cut the ribbon to
officially signify the start of the ferry operation across the Deh Cho, also known as the Mackenzie River.
Later that same day, Madam Speaker, we travelled to the new bridge over Willowlake River and watched as George Boots, the elder from Willowlake River representing the elders, and Nicole Hardisty, representing the youth, cut the ribbon to officially open the bridge to traffic.
Later that night, we had the pleasure of going to Wrigley for the pleasure of feasting and dancing well into the night to celebrate the new link to the rest of Deh Cho for the residents of Wrigley. I would like to thank the community for their fantastic hospitality.
I don't see the completion of this highway to Wrigley, Madam Speaker, as the end of the highway. In fact, I see it as a continuation of a highway up the Mackenzie River as far as Inuvik, perhaps. Even if we have to do it a few kilometres a year, that would be appreciated.
I think, Madam Speaker, that the elder, George Boots, expressed the sentiments of the people quite well during the ceremony at the bridge opening when he said, "I thank the government for building this highway. I thank the Creator. I ask him to look after everyone who travels this road. We have to pray to the Creator, respect the Creator, respect this road and we have to respect the river." Mahsi, Madam Speaker.
---Applause