Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise, once again, to raise an issue that is important to the Beaufort-Delta region. Mr. Speaker, I am sure Members in this House know what I am speaking about. I am talking about the proposed Tuktoyaktuk-Inuvik highway, but, more specifically, to source 177; the big, exciting song called A Long and Winding Road, Mr. Speaker. I just need a 22 kilometre access road to a much needed gravel source.
Mr. Speaker, this road is in alignment with the proposed Tuktoyaktuk-Inuvik highway. The Inuvialuit Final Agreement has a clause, where government and the Inuvialuit must identify gravel sources nearby to the Inuvialuit communities. Mr. Speaker, gravel source 177 is the closest gravel source to Tuktoyaktuk. Mr. Speaker, I understand ConocoPhillips intends to construct an airport like Parsons Lake. Why? Public Works Canada identified a new airport location for Tuktoyaktuk which is approximate to source 177, and along the proposed Tuktoyaktuk-Inuvik highway. This government should sit down with ConocoPhillips and plan the shared airport.
Mr. Speaker, the Beaufort-Delta residents need some economic opportunities. If this government can provide $5 million for each of the next three years for the project, it will bring economic opportunities to the Beaufort-Delta. Mr. Speaker, this project will create employment, training, and business opportunities. People in the Beaufort-Delta rarely depend on income support, Mr. Speaker. If this access road to source 177 does not proceed, many residents in the Beaufort-Delta will be forced to rely on income support; therefore, Mr. Speaker, costing the government more money.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge this government to find and allocate the funds to start the 22 kilometre access road to gravel source 177, but, more importantly, Mr. Speaker, the start of the Tuktoyaktuk-Inuvik highway. Thank you.
---Applause