Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as an Assembly we meet in this House three times a year. We meet in February to discuss the budget, we meet in June, and we usually meet again in the fall to plan the projects which will go into the next budget.
Over the past four years, I have raised the issue of Highway No. 3 at each and every session. I have made 10 statements, asked over 30 questions, and tabled documents related to the safety issue of Highway No. 3. I have also issued press releases, held interviews with the media, and written more than 30 letters to the Minister of Transportation expressing concerns related to Highway No. 3.
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Last week in his sessional statement, the Premier acknowledged my relentless pursuit of improvement on Highway No. 3 and road access for the smaller communities in my region.
Mr. Speaker, it was a relief to me that my efforts have been noted, but I must say that it's too bad that my efforts were not recognized earlier.
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We are now at the end of the life of this Assembly. The Premier's comments tell me that I have been doing my job. The lack of response by the Cabinet and the department to the issues I have raised make me question whether they are doing theirs.
This weekend there were a number of federal Ministers in the North. Eighty-five million dollars has been promised for NWT roads and bridges. I am pleased to see that some of the money will be spent on finishing Highway No. 3.
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But I question why $6.3 million has been targeted to address safety concerns along the Ingraham Trail. Mr. Speaker, it was only a few years ago that both Highway No. 3 and Highway No. 4 : full of lumps, bumps, washboards and potholes. In only two years, the Minister has managed to turn the Ingraham Trail into one of the best roads in the country.