Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, transportation is very important to all of the territories, not just one portion of it. Whether it is airports, wharves or highways, I think, Mr. Chairman, that we do have to realize that it is important that we have access to places that will provide long term employment but also, the Northwest Territories before all of this started had a different sort of employment and a different way of doing things. I think it is good that this government has realized that for the access roads for the communities, especially if those access roads can be linked together and create a Mackenzie Valley Highway. I would say that overall, the direction of the department has been good when it comes to what it has been doing for all of the territories. In our area of Inuvik and the Mackenzie Delta, I think the Dempster Highway is an example that is very important. That it is a key link to keeping costs low and the recent work that has been done in that area and the attempt to develop it, has been very good for the area and the economy. At the same time, I do have concerns with the way in which the work has been done or handed out. In the area of reductions when it comes to this department, I have concerns as to what impact it will have on the area of Inuvik and the Inuvik region. I hope to get information out of the Minister as we get into detail as what impacts are going to be felt in the Inuvik area. I would say, in general, I think the department has done well in its area of the transportation initiative, and that we all cannot forget where we have come from to where we are now. I would encourage the department to keep looking in the direction it has been. We do have to realize in some areas the amount being spent has to be justified and scrutinized a little more, but I think in general we have been trying to do the best we can and keep in mind the whole territory. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Floyd Roland on Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on February 13th, 1997. See this statement in context.
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 12th, 1997
Page 624
See context to find out what was said next.