Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a driver's license is considered an essential part of the modern lifestyle. It is required for many types of employment and viewed as an important rite of passage for youth. But, Mr. Speaker, not all NWT driver's licenses are created equal. If you get your license in a community of under 500 people, you can only drive within 100 km of your home address. In a community of up to 2,000 people, you can only drive within the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, the reasoning behind these restrictions is that small communities have limited traffic and rural-grade pedestrian infrastructure. There will not be opportunities for applicants to demonstrate proficient ability to parallel park, operate a vehicle safely at highway speeds, or even stop at traffic lights. That said, Mr. Speaker, these restrictions place some obvious limitations on drivers themselves, with far-reaching implications.
A valid driver's license is required for many jobs, especially entry-level and service positions. We are putting people at a disadvantage when it comes to employment opportunities. If they want to apply for a full, unrestricted driver’s license that is recognized across Canada, they have to travel to a large centre — Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Simpson, Inuvik, or Fort Smith — on their own dime.
Mr. Speaker, this policy creates a barrier to workforce development for people in our small communities who need job opportunities, and an unreasonable expectation that people will be able to afford to go to a larger centre to successfully complete their exam. The government put major steps to allow students to finish high school in their home communities. It should be possible for anyone to get a full driver's license in their home community as well. We expect high school diplomas to be valid and recognized across Canada. It is a major issue when they are not. We should have similar expectations for NWT driver's licenses. We should be preparing our workforce by providing the opportunity to get a full, unrestricted driver's license to all NWT residents, regardless of where they reside.
Mr. Speaker, we need to find equitable ways to grant driver's licenses throughout the NWT and get our residents ready for the road. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.