Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on this change to the mandate. When we talk about emergency shelters, they are needed in some of the territories' remote highways and winter roads. It was a big concern in my riding. It’s a safety issue: People could die from exposure after breaking down on the highways. There have been comments that cell service has improved in the Northwest Territories. However, in some of the remote highways in the Territories the cell service does not work. Travellers travel vast distances in extreme weather conditions. Cabinet must understand the risk and hazards people face travelling in and out of our small remove communities, including people who bring in goods and provide services. Emergency shelters should be strategically located where most needed. Emergency shelters need not be expensive or fancy, just effective. This is cheap insurance. Maintenance is minimal, but a little bit is necessary.
Cultural issues: Northern people have a tradition of helping those who break down on the land and along our roads. This would help us do those things. Making our highways safer will ultimately increase tourism and travel in our territory. Some of these remote highways are not paved or chip-sealed like the one coming to Yellowknife and Hay River. We need to be respectful of this and ensure we provide a safe place for people, especially on the gravel highways. As well, when you deal with transportation and travelling on these remote highways sometimes you don't see people for long periods of time. This is the reason I'm asking to have this added into it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.