Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure held its public review on Bill 49, An Act to Amend the Deh Cho Bridge Act, on September 16, 2015. Bill 49 amends the Deh Cho Bridge Act to streamline rules and requirements currently present in the act, clarifying enforcement powers and reducing red tape.
The committee is satisfied that the legal and fiscal responsibilities of the GNWT are satisfied by including toll reporting under the main estimates, in compliance with the Financial Administration Act.
Members were pleased that tolling revenue will continue to be clearly identified within the public accounts. Similarly, Members recognize that toll adjustments, according to the Consumer Price Index, CPI, will be undertaken in keeping with the GNWT-wide direction of the Financial Management Board.
Nevertheless, Members expect that the GNWT will continue to engage residents respecting any and all changes to the management of the Deh Cho Bridge.
Finally, while the committee agrees with the department that tolling enforcement is a matter of fairness, Members also wish to express their concern respecting individuals crossing the bridge for non-business purposes, but who may be tolled due to their classification of licence plate and/or vehicle’s weight. Following the clause-by-clause review, a motion was carried to report Bill 49 to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
This concludes the committee’s general comments on Bill 49. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.