Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of this sitting, our last of the 2017, I am looking to the winter ahead of us. For residents of the Mackenzie Delta, that means a winter without ferry services. I have spoken to the Minister about this before. We have been told that Inuvik won't run short of fuel, that frequent closures on the Dempster made ferry operations too pricey, and that lighter equipment will help the Department of Infrastructure accelerate ice road construction, but the reality of our concerns about the cost of living, travel between communities, heavy commercial traffic, and potential fuel shortages haven't gone away.
Mr. Speaker, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway is going to open also on November 15th. Many Members here will be here to mark the occasion. Well, Mr. Speaker, it would be more than a little ironic if NWT residents and prospective tourists couldn't access this momentous day because of a lack of marine and ice road options barred their way. I will be monitoring ferry use for the rest of the season and keeping an eye on the private and commercial traffic that makes use of the ice road. If the Department of Infrastructure intends to proceed on its course, then it must also be prepared to see the effects its cost savings have on the people on the ground.
As I have said before, in a time where the government wants to be seen investing in infrastructure, in community connections, where the government wants to grow tourism, and where the government says it wants to help small communities, a decision like this sends the wrong message. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will have questions later today.