The 2010 runway ruling would be probably coming into effect 21 months from now. The communities of Fort Good Hope and Deline, along with their partner North-Wright Airways, have been asking this government here to see if they can extend the runways to the required length that would help them with their aircraft in the region. We do appreciate the additional runways that were extended in Fort Good Hope and Tulita up to, I think, 3,998 feet. I believe it’s there. We certainly appreciate that. However, because of the restrictions, they are saying that because of the restrictions in the 2010 ruling, that North-Wright, along with its partners, are saying they can only allow a certain number of passengers on aircraft with a certain amount of freight in order to fulfill the 2010 guidelines. They foresee that, in terms of expanding their business, they would desperately look favourably to see if they can get two specific strategic locations of runways in Fort Good Hope and Deline to extend the runways at least up to 4,500 to 5,000 feet. Now, if we don’t do that, then we are restricting the growth of an airline company with the Sahtu region. They want to go out and have an aircraft that can be used to carry additional passengers and freight. This came up in some of our discussions and the accident that happened in Fort Good Hope a couple years ago that contributes to something of a shorter runway with smaller aircraft. They want to avoid this. So I’m asking the Minister here, I know he had some discussions with the community of Deline about having something go forward on discussion. When the department goes back, can they reassess in discussion with Fort Good Hope and Deline and North-Wright to look at the additional request that they’re asking? The request is going to come to about $2 million for what’s being asked for. But I think in the long run it’s going to save everybody a lot of money and it’s going to mean safer aircraft in the Sahtu region.
Norman Yakeleya on Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on March 2nd, 2009. See this statement in context.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
March 1st, 2009
See context to find out what was said next.