Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am really pleased to hear of the Mackenzie Valley Highway construction working together as a government to proceed. During the economic climate, this government must get creative, use our influence and instruments to get various projects off the ground.
There are many shovel ready projects that can start within one year or less in the Northwest Territories. One such project is the Mackenzie Valley Highway construction project. This project will be $1.2 to $2 billion of infrastructure spending in the Northwest Territories, especially the areas not currently benefiting from large mining projects. It would also push the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline one step closer to reality. This project will create 181,000 person years of employment, generating $35 million annually in highway operations and maintenance, contracts up and down the valley and would seriously reduce the high cost of living in many of my communities.
The government must lobby the federal government. They must show commitment. They must allocate multi-year funding even though the government is currently financially stretched. There are always ways and parties that would work together to get this going.
Currently the Gwich’in and Denendeh Corporation, the majority of shares in the MAC group also initiated a P3 lease arrangement for the MAC highway project. I know the government is well versed on P3 leasebacks. Currently there are many similar arrangements across the Territories.
Lastly, this project will generate $250 million worth of construction activity in the Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk portion alone. This would be a huge shot in the economic arm for my region and this Territory. Cost of living would be decreased. Sovereignty would be solved. The impact and
development in a report card from the GNWT is $60 billion in increased revenue, cost of living to $1.2 to $2 billion. Mr. Speaker, 177 is just a start. This will open up the Western Arctic. And on my to-do list, Mr. Speaker, is my deep sea port.
---Laughter
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted