Since I have over two minutes left I want to make sure I use up every minute I can here. I just want to make reference that one of the things that we’ve been talking about when we look at our public infrastructure and highway infrastructure, but I think at some point we realistically have to consider permanent bridges where we have a ferry operation. In light of what we see in Fort Providence, I know it’s not a perfect project but at least it’s getting us to have permanent access to the South and, more importantly, that we have to consider all our highway infrastructure and consider that option for other crossings besides the crossing at Fort Providence. Look at the Liard crossing, look at the Peel crossing, look at the other crossings with regard to the Bear River and other infrastructure that’s going to be needed. I think this government has to seriously put money into that research while we have the federal access to I think it’s $500,000 a year for research. Use the federal infrastructure money to do that work so that when we have those studies completed, we know exactly what the actual costs of replacing these crucial infrastructure by way of bridges on our highway systems to improve the year-round access to southern areas, whether it’s through the Yukon or Alberta. We have to do a better job of ensuring we improve that infrastructure in the Northwest Territories.
I’d just like to ask the Minister if he could seriously consider looking at the $500,000 that we are receiving by way of the Building Canada funds for research and use those dollars to consider such requirements by way of more studies, more research, and looking at where the best potential crossings for those bridges will be. More
importantly, do that research. The last time this research was done was back in the ‘60s.I think a lot has happened since the ‘60s and this government now has a responsibility for that by way of taking on the Deh Cho Bridge. Don’t just focus on that bridge, look at other bridges in the Northwest Territories.