Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Northwest Passage gains a greater international profile and becomes more frequently travelled, the Northwest Territories would be in a better position to benefit if it had a deep water port in Tuktoyaktuk or Ulukhaktok.

Just as the name suggests, a deep water port can be accessed from a large body of water such as the Beaufort Sea, along with a protected docking and staging for large heavily loaded vessels. Deep water allows for more efficient handling of cargo because large ships can dock at the port and take on cargo directly rather than anchoring out in the harbour and using smaller vessels to transfer cargo.

Marine support will be crucial for offshore exploration and development. A deep water port in the Beaufort Sea would support drilling activity. It would attract tourism, support cargo shipping. It could serve as a first line of defence in the event of a blowout or an oil spill. It could also provide sewage facilities for shipping to prevent illegal dumping from polluting our waters.

Building key infrastructure would send a message to businesses that the GNWT welcomes investment and is prepared to work with businesses to build the necessary infrastructure. Northern residents and local businesses would have a direct opportunity to profit from offshore activity. Mr. Speaker, building a deep sea port would be a large-scale undertaking that would require careful analysis and planning. The GNWT is getting more experience with these types of projects, and could even look at doing this as a public/private partnership. A great deal of work would need to be done to make this project happen, including undertaking necessary environmental assessments, considering design options, and securing the necessary funding.

Mr. Speaker, with funding from CANOR and the GNWT, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation commissioned a study in 2014 which identified key considerations regarding development of the harbour in Tuktoyaktuk to support the maritime activity in the Beaufort Sea.

In 2018 the Government of Nunavut is set to begin construction on Iqaluit's $85 million deep sea port, which is slated to be fully operational by 2020. The federal government has committed to contribute $63.7 million to this mega-project. Mr. Speaker, these things make me believe that a deep sea port for the Northwest Territories could become a reality in the foreseeable future. We just need to dream big, collaborate with our partners, and commit to making it happen. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.