Committee members had discussions with the Minister about various highway development options. One of those options discussed was a highway be built alongside the proposed pipeline. A parallel highway would not only provide transportation links for communities near the pipeline, but also represents improved access to resources and value for money.
Further, the committee informed the government that many aboriginal groups would not support a pipeline without the proposed parallel highway.
The committee asked the department if it had a comprehensive strategy to improve our highway systems that will result in increased access for remote communities and to resources such as those in the Slave Lake geologic region.
The Minister, at the request of the committee, agreed to provide a summary report of the Government's Highway Strategy report to members.
Funding for Community Access Roads and Other Projects
Committee members were concerned with the lack of funding for community access road projects. Members noted that some communities receive funding whereas some do not. Members recommended that if funding cuts are to be made, they should be made equally amongst all regions and communities, not just specific areas or municipalities. See page 4, capital, departmental submission, Department of Transportation, 2000-2001 Interim Appropriation.
Additionally, committee Members added that projects such as community access roads are especially important to small communities. In many communities, these small capital projects are the only available employment opportunities for the entire year.
The committee recommended that if funding cuts are considered in any programs or services within government, they should be made equally "across the board".