Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question asked by the Member for Hay River North on June 17, 2002. Mr. Delorey asked me, "Who is responsible for the condition of the railway tracks on the sections of highway just approaching the railway tracks?"
Regarding the level crossing of highways and railways, the highway authority is responsible for the highway up to the railway crossing. The railroad is responsible for maintaining the highway across its tracks. The highway authority does not work on the railway's tracks. Keeping in mind the possibility of derailment, this arrangement preserves the railroad's responsibility for the integrity and continuity of its track.
At the railway crossing on Highway No. 2 in his constituency that the Member referred to, the timbers that carry Highway No. 2 traffic across the tracks are replaced by the Mackenzie Northern Railway every year. The Department of Transportation maintains Highway No. 2 up to the timbers on either side of the track. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.