Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, I told this House how a disruption in the ferry services on the Peel River had stranded residents, tourists, and essential supplies, cutting them off from their homes and their travel destinations.
Now, it seems like no sooner than the Department of Infrastructure gets the ferry running again, that once again staring down the barrel of serious service disruption in the region. I am referring to the cancellation of ferry services for both the Louis Cardinal ferry on the Mackenzie and the Abraham Francis ferry on the Peel River. I have spoken of this before, Mr. Speaker, and warned of the possible risks and complications several months ago. Now, winter is on its way and I find that these questions and the concerns of my constituents have still not been satisfied.
Winter services for both ferries were slashed as part of the government's reduction in this year's budget. Regular Members opposed this decision, but the Department of Infrastructure persisted. Now, that is despite the impacts this decision on the communities in the region. Despite the number of Northerners who will be left in the lurch between the end of the ferry services and the opening of the ice bridges, and despite the risks of cutting off Inuvik from fuel and LNG supplies.
On average in the past 15 years, the Louis Cardinal ferry closed around October 31st, and the Abraham Francis around November 2nd. Ice bridges in the region which can see hundreds of tractor trailers throughout the season on top of regular traffic, do not typically open until mid-December, and that is assuming the weather is cold enough. Mild weather could easily shorten the ice bridge season from either end. The service gap that will result from ferry closures is obvious. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statements. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted