Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for Transportation, the Honourable Vince Steen. This year the ice on the winter road to the mine is reported to be 14 inches thinner than last year. We all know that there have been delays and accidents using the ice road this year. There has even been a fatality. As I mentioned in my Member's statement, the community of Wha Ti was nearing a state of crisis recently because they were running out of fuel. We can no longer rely on ice roads as a safe method of transportation.

I would like to ask the Minister, what is his department doing to ensure that safe access to remote communities and the mines exists through the winter months? Thank you.