Thank you. I would like to present the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Infrastructure report on the review of the 1999-2002 business plans and the 1999-2000 Main Estimates for the Department of Transportation. The mandate of the department is to provide safe, accessible and reliable movement of people and goods to serve the social, economic and political needs and aspirations of the people of the Northwest Territories.
The Standing Committee on Resource Management and Infrastructure reviewed the 1999-2002 business plans for the Department of Transportation on November 25, 1998. The committee notes the department's emphasis on making a smooth transition to the new Western Territory. Aside from division activities, the department continues to emphasize the limited financial resources for capital programs to improve the transportation system. The committee notes an overall decrease of $399,000 in the draft 1999-2000 Main Estimates presented on March 21, 1999, from the figures presented in the 1999-2002 department business plans.
During the committee's review of the department's business plan, the department discussed the $2 million Highway Strategy, which was implemented during the 1998-99 fiscal year in conjunction with the government's broader strategy for economic development. The Highway Strategy is intended to promote a more stable financial future for the department. The $2 million Highway Strategy studies four projects; the deciding factor for further progress will be which roads are important to foster NWT economic development. Committee Members believe that the Slave Geologic Province transportation corridor would be more economically viable from the standpoint of the highway running from a southern point, Rae-Yellowknife to a northern point, Bathurst Inlet, rather than vice versa. The department commented that western Canada would agree with the committee's suggested route as being economically viable and will lobby on behalf of this effort.
In the view of the majority of the committee Members, it is important that the department lobby at a territorial and national level for support on the completion of Highway 3, as this could offset budget increases to the social envelope and decrease the number of accidents that occur on this highway. It should be noted that a Member of the committee does not completely agree. The Committee recommends that the department give priority to the acceleration of Highway 3.
Highways. A highway system connecting or linking all communities should be made a Western Territory priority. The committee notes this department has seen a significant decrease in its overall budget during the life of this government. Committee Members also expressed their concern with respect to industry providing their own transportation infrastructure. The committee believes that the government should encourage and support industry in building its own infrastructure rather than allowing all costs to be borne by the general public. For example, the government should encourage mining companies to build their own all-weather roads and contribute to the improvement of the main highway system rather than the government bearing all of the costs. A committee Member suggests that the department consider the feasibility of implementing toll charges.
Highway 4. Committee Members note the allocation of $550,000 for Highway 4 for 1999-2000 is substantial and would like to see this amount decreased and put into the main highway system. A committee Member expressed concern that this highway is more of a community access road. The Member would like to see the government encourage private sector investment in this highway as it provides access to the mineral rich areas.
Affirmative action. During the business plan review, the department's 1998-99 mid-year results report stated that the target is to maintain northern employment for highway construction and maintenance contracts at 90 percent or greater. The committee was not clear on the percentage of these northern employees that fall under the affirmative action policy. While reviewing the draft Main Estimates, the committee expressed concern in relation to the number of aboriginal people employed by contractors. There is no tracking system to monitor the number of aboriginal employees in contracted jobs and the committee suggests the department explore using the NWT health care card as one way to monitor the number. The committee recognizes the department's efforts by developing the Career Development Program as one way to increase the percentage of northern employment for highway construction and maintenance contracts. However, Members remain concerned that contractors may employ a number of workers from the south and have requested additional personnel information on these employees.
Emergency services. Committee Members note there are no emergency services provided to the Inuvik airport. Members would like the specifics on the measures that would be taken if an accident were to take place.
Contracts. Committee Members expressed concern about the process of awarding contracts and the steps taken to ensure transparency is in place. A Member suggested a review of the process of awarding contracts.
Safety programs. A committee Member was concerned about the number of accidental drownings as a result of boating accidents over the past few years in the Beaufort Delta and would like to see transportation safety programs offered in regions other than the North Slave region.
That, Mr. Chairman, completes the report of the Standing Committee on Resource Management and Infrastructure on the Department of Transportation. Thank you.