The last community I represent, Nahanni Butte, the closure dates from 1988 to 1994 respectively are March 31st, April 7th, March 30th, April 4th, March 22nd, March 27th and March 28th. As you can see here, as well in this community, the closure on March 15th will have a big effect.

On the radio report this morning, Mr. Speaker, the chief from Jean Marie River indicated that once the road closes, as they have no stores, they have to charter to Fort Simpson to buy supplies. A one-way charter is $220, so if you're going to go shopping for your family you're looking at a total of $440 round trip just to go shopping. You have 80 to 90 people in that community so you're looking at a significant impact on their budget in that community. With Trout Lake being further away, you're looking at a substantially higher plane fare. Nahanni Butte also has this problem.

Mr. Speaker, the winter road is a vital link for the residents. In particular, the month of March is the most important month for winter roads in communities because it is this month that residents make their trips to Fort Simpson and Hay River to shop one last time and save as much money as possible. If these closures go ahead on March 15th, then many residents will suffer due to the fact that they cannot afford to charter planes to shop for supplies and food. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause