Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our road system is important to our people. Northwest Territories residents need to travel our territory for many crucial purposes. Members know that I support expansion of our highway network for social and community needs and to help grow economic opportunities.
One of our most utilized highways is the Ingraham Trail. The trail is used by boaters, snowmobilers, campers, hikers, hunters, and fishers. Most of our growing numbers of tourists take home memories of the trail from their aurora-viewing expeditions. Many, who happen to be my constituents, make their homes and raise their families on the trail and drive the road multiple times a day. Of course, the NWT's biggest economic driver, the diamond mines, count on the trail as their essential lifeline for resupply.
That the Ingraham Trail is such an important corridor to so many of our residents underlines the needs to continually monitor and improve the road's safety. During last year's ice road season, there was an abnormally high number of incidents and accidents involving haul trucks on the trail, and this spring, on the May long weekend, sadly an accident resulted in a tragic fatality.
Because of the increasing use of the trail by so many different users, Mr. Speaker, it is important to make sure that all possible safety measures are in place. We do not want the increase in incidents we saw last year to become a trend or the norm. The Minister has been very open to discussing the department's continuing efforts to upgrade road conditions. I thank him for being forthcoming on these matters. I certainly noticed the roadwork and improvements on the Ingraham Trail this summer. These improvements are welcomed and much appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, as we are moving towards the cold season again, I am thinking forward to the building of the ice road. It is the Ingraham Trail's busiest season. I wonder if we have made progress in all the areas of road improvements, safety patrols, and a public communication strategy that are necessary for promoting and preserving public safety on our highways. At the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.