Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the House as to the current status of the winter roads in my constituency.

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I would like to begin with Trout Lake, Mr. Speaker. This is the longest of the three winter roads in my constituency. It is 126 kilometres in length. This 126 kilometres covers terrain that is flat and open with no hills. In the 126 kilometres, Trout Lake winter road crosses four small creeks. According to residents of Trout Lake, there has never been a major overflow problem that the community couldn't deal with.

Mr. Speaker, I spoke with the community this morning and they indicated the that present road condition no way warrants early closure, and that the residents do not understand why March 15th has been chosen as an official closure date when the road is in this good condition.

Also, Mr. Speaker, the situation of having heavy equipment used for the purpose of towing vehicles when stuck has rarely occurred on a stretch of winter road. The winter road that connects Jean Marie River to the rest of the world is 27 kilometres in length. There are creeks on this winter road; however, Mr. Speaker, due to the construction of a fair weather road, bridges have been built over all these crossings and therefore pose no environmental threat.

Mr. Speaker, according to residents, there have been gravel haul operations going on here and the road has been packed, resulting in longer road life. As far as immobilizing heavy equipment for the purpose of towing vehicles, residents have exercised common sense and have never required these services. Also, Mr. Speaker, the communities involved in the heavy equipment program have been maintaining approximately half of this road.

To continue, Mr. Speaker, Nahanni Butte is the shortest of these winter roads at 21 kilometres in length. This road crosses the Liard River and the small swamp area. There is economic activity in the form of logging in this community that is relying on the winter road to remain open until the end of the month. Again, Mr. Speaker, like the other two communities, no heavy equipment has been used to tow vehicles stuck due to warm weather conditions.

Mr. Speaker, I'm running out of time. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.