Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Members will know that the community of Fort Providence has been working for the last three years towards an agreement to construct a bridge over the Deh Cho. This has been a huge undertaking that has been recognized in the Northwest Territories and on the national stage as an important element of the national highway system and for the economy of the NWT. It has also been recognized as a model for community and aboriginal participation in our economy. It has been a priority for me, as MLA for the Deh Cho. Since its inception two years ago, the idea has progressed steadily from a dream to a probability. The final approvals necessary to make this project a reality are within our grasp and construction could begin within the next few months.
Progress could be made possible by the belief, commitment and hard work of many people. In particular, I want to acknowledge the support and commitment of the Minster of Transportation, Honourable Joe Handley, who has been instrumental in this project from the outset; the Premier Stephen Kakfwi and Cabinet; all my colleagues in this House; the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew; and, the Honourable Robert Nault; and also the management staff of the territorial departments of Transportation, RWED and the management staff of DIAND regional office. Of course, I must acknowledge with some pride the vision and initiative of the leaders and residents of Fort Providence. They have been consistent in their support and determination to move this proposal forward.
The signing of the memorandum of intent in November 2002 was a big step forward and the passage in this House of the Deh Cho Bridge Act in June of this year was another huge step forward. I am pleased to advise that Premier Stephen Kakfwi and Minister Handley have been invited to Fort Providence to initial the concession agreement on October 22nd.
This agreement will define the relationship between the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation and the GNWT throughout the construction and concession stages. It will allow the corporation to move forward with finalizing, financing, permitting and contract arrangements. Mr. Speaker, in two short years from now, I expect to be witnessing the ribbon cutting of a bridge crossing the Deh Cho.