Mr. Speaker, Members of the Assembly, in the Agenda for Change, the Premier presented 10 priorities of the government for securing the financial future of the Northwest Territories, improving our quality of life and creating new economic opportunities for northerners.
In his Budget Address, the Minister of Finance emphasized the importance of partnerships to create and exploit economic development opportunities.
The Department of Transportation has much to contribute in achieving these directions. Despite fiscal cutbacks, the department sees many opportunities to promote economic development while ensuring a basic level of accessible, reliable and safe transportation.
Fulfilment of opportunities in transportation will require the cooperation and input of other stakeholders who share these common objectives. They include other governments, the private sector, communities and transportation users. Opportunities can only be fulfilled by establishing partnerships with these groups.
The development of the transportation system needed in the Northwest Territories for our economic development is a longer-term objective than the three-year planning horizon of the Department of Transportation's business plan. It is also a broader objective that is too easily lost in the financial detail of the annual budget process.
I would like to sketch for the Members some of the broader economic development themes I want to pursue through the transportation portfolio.
Transportation Infrastructure For Mineral Development
As the Minister of Finance stated, "responsible development of our mineral resources represents the single most important opportunity that we have for sustainable economic growth."
However, it is the lack of adequate road and port infrastructure that impedes mineral exploration and development. There are several promising mining projects in the East and West that will require new transportation infrastructure if they are to proceed.
I want to look for innovative solutions to infrastructure financing. This will require partnerships with the federal government and the mining industry. Finding a solution will not be easy but it is an objective we must pursue.
At the same time and in cooperation with the departments of Economic Development and Tourism and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, I will be working on a resource access road policy. The policy will be aimed at encouraging economic development. It will provide a framework for evaluating the territorial government's involvement in the provision of infrastructure for mineral developments.
Extension Of The Mackenzie Valley Highway
Extension of the Mackenzie Valley Highway has been one of the department's long-term objectives since the 1990 transportation strategy was developed.
The lack of all-weather access to the Mackenzie Valley communities limits the people's mobility and impedes their economic development. There are also environmental concerns related to the annual construction of the winter road.
I will increase my efforts in pursuing a partnership with the federal government and communities for the construction of this highway. This will be pursued with the federal government as an employment creation initiative. In response to environmental concerns, I have proposed that funding be increased for winter road improvements.
National Highway Program
For a number of years, the provinces and territories have been urging the federal government to take the lead role in establishing a national highway program. In the Northwest Territories, the route from the Alberta border to Hay River and Yellowknife is part of the designated national highway system. Sections of this route are not up to current national highway standards. In fact, the gravel sections of Highway 3 are the only unpaved sections in the entire national highway system in Canada. The end result is increased operating costs and safety concerns for users.
In the department's current plan, reconstruction of the highway will take a long time to complete. Additional funding to accelerate construction would be available if the federal government instituted a national highway program. I will increase my efforts, in cooperation with other jurisdictions, to persuade the federal government to establish a national highway program.
Marine Transportation
Marine facilities are required to support both community resupply and resource developments. The department will continue to improve community resupply facilities and will work cooperatively with the Department of Public Works and Services on initiatives to rationalize the marine resupply system in the Northwest Territories.
To ensure they remain a priority, I will work to raise the profile of northern marine transportation programs. The federal government must know that these programs are essential to the northern economy, especially to communities in the East. The level of service provided by these programs must be maintained to ensure safe, reliable and accessible marine transportation. In addition, I will pursue devolution where these programs can be more effectively managed by the territorial government.
Air Transportation
Reliable and low-cost air transportation is important to the North, particularly for off-highway communities. I will work with air carriers and communities to find ways of improving air transportation services and to provide appropriate airport infrastructure to reduce air travel costs in the North.
The federal government is responsible for the regulation of the air industry and for aviation safety. I will work to ensure that the unique aspects of air transportation in the North are accommodated in federal air regulations.
NavCan is the newly-created commercial company that will assume responsibility from the federal government for the air navigation system in Canada. I will work with NavCan to ensure a continued high level of air navigation services in the North.
Improve Transportation Safety
Safety is a basic, ongoing concern and objective for the Department of Transportation. One of the department's priorities outlined in its business plan is to improve transportation safety awareness and regulation to reduce injury and fatality rates in all modes of transportation.
I will work to improve transportation safety on our highways and on the water. This will be achieved through the
development and implementation of programs to promote small boat, ATV and snowmobile safety. Campaigns and programs will be undertaken to increase the public awareness of safety issues.
In pursuing the six initiatives I have outlined, I will ensure that the road, air and marine modes of transportation work in an integrated manner to provide the most effective service to meet the transportation needs of communities and to create economic development opportunities.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, we must all pull together to accomplish the vision of our future described by the Premier. The Department of Transportation has a crucial role to play in building a healthy economic future for the people of the Northwest Territories. We look forward to doing our part. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause