The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development conducted public hearings in six communities and received written submissions from numerous stakeholders in the Northwest Territories on Bill 9, the proposed Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit Act and Bill 10, the proposed Public Highway Improvement Fund Act. Members of the committee heard general consensus that Bills 9 and 10, collectively referred to as the Highway Investment Strategy, be shelved.

The overwhelming majority of the presenters and the members of the committee appreciated the need for improvements to our existing highway system. However, they concluded in the strongest terms that this strategy is the wrong way to do it.

The proposed strategy would severely impact upon the already high cost of living for the residents of the Northwest Territories, especially upon communities who are not on the all-weather highway system. These isolated communities would be required to pay for a program from which they will not receive a direct benefit. In short, it will not be the resource or trucking sector that will bear the brunt of this strategy, but ultimately, the costs will be borne by the residents of the Northwest Territories.

Almost all stakeholders and residents that came before or made presentations or submissions to the committee recommended the government work with the private sector, aboriginal groups, communities, residents and other stakeholders to develop and consider more realistic options that would minimize the overall impact upon our already high cost of living.

Accordingly, after a lengthy and detailed consultation process, the majority of the committee members on October 18, 2001, rejected Bill 9, the proposed Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit Act and Bill 10, the proposed Public Highway Improvement Fund Act.

In a press release made on October 23, 2001, myself, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development and Ms. Lee, the deputy chair, stated:

The opposition to this proposal was nearly unanimous. It was overwhelming. Everyone agrees we need to improve our highways. Most Northerners agree that the trip permit fee is not the route to take. (Ms. Lee)

The majority of our committee membership cannot in good conscience support the enactment of this legislation. We are hopeful that Cabinet and other Members have been listening to their constituents. (Mr. Roland)

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development on the review of Bill 9, the Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit Act and Bill 10, the Public Highway Improvement Fund Act. Therefore,

I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Range Lake, that Committee Report 8-14(4) be moved into committee of the whole for consideration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.