Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As Members are aware, the Northwest Territories highway system consists of 2200 kilometres of all-weather roads and 1500 kilometres of ice and winter roads. The highway system also includes five ferries and the Department of Transportation is responsible for the operation, maintenance and upgrading of the Northwest Territories highway system. The department is also responsible for monitoring and counting traffic on the highway system. To do this, the department operates a series of mechanical counters and sometimes makes visual counts and surveys. I am told this information is used to set priorities and maintenance and capital funding and to monitor safety aspects of highways.

However, on the department's own information, they put a disclaimer on their published data. In 1999, only 46 percent of the potential data was usable for determining traffic volume. This performance is attributed to the age of traffic counters, breakdown of loops and improper handling.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister is well aware of the concerns of my constituents for the safety and condition of the Hay River Reserve access road. My information is that this road was developed by DIAND in the early 1960s and there has never been any major construction or reconstruction projects used to change or improve the condition of the road. Yes, the department does carry out a dust control program and some maintenance and spot repairs in an attempt to keep the road passable.

However, Mr. Speaker, you will note that I have used the word attempt because that is exactly what it is, a mere attempt by the department to make a safe, well-travelled road out of a dirt road that was never designed for today's traffic.

I have checked out the traffic flow figures and the information under reported collisions on this well-travelled access road. I am shocked at the results of my investigation. My constituents deserve better. We are talking about loss of property and lives because the department is not listening to the community. We know better than the Minister the dangers the road presents to them.

On July 7, 2000, the Minister said in a statement to this House that the maintenance and accident records of the Hay River Reserve access road speak for themselves. Mr. Speaker, I would like consent to continue my statement.