Just finishing off on my favourite subject in regard to access roads to gravel sources and I think if I don’t respond to it, it won’t be doing
justice to the residents of Aklavik. I think that we have to realize that it’s critical that we look at opening up gravel sources around communities and, more importantly, it’s not only for the community, it’s for the regions, it’s for the development of industry, it’s for the expansion of connecting communities, and I think we have to look at these developments in regard to long-term investments. I noted that we have to realize there have been motions passed in this House to look at these as priorities.
Again, I’d just like to raise the issue with the Ministers of Finance and Transportation, just to realize the importance that government has to play in a supportive role to ensure that we assist communities. We have the expertise, we have the people in the department who basically are responsible for building highways, maintaining highways, building roads, airports and whatnot. By having that expertise and also accessing funds from the federal government, regardless if it’s Building Canada Fund, P3 funds or even looking at the possibility of research and development funds, we have to be able to achieve these projects.
But more important for myself is the Aklavik access road to the gravel source. There has been a preliminary study done. They’re now suggesting taking it to the second phase, which is more in regard to an in-depth engineering design phase. So I’d just like to know from the department exactly where is it going forward in the budget that those dollars can be accessed similar to the arrangement in regard to the Tuk access road project, which we’re able to access Building Canada funds and I believe the community of Aklavik is requesting a similar arrangement so that they can also look at it. Again, we just heard from the P3 funds that’s possibly out there. That could be another option. So I’d just like to know what options are out there for the community to move this project forward and assist other communities that have a similar challenge about having access to gravel, which is essential for community building. Thank you.