Mr. Speaker, earlier in this sitting I called on Minister Schumann to lead the charge in launching new infrastructure projects that will connect our communities and create new jobs. Previously, I suggested an ice road between Tsiigehtchic and Fort Good Hope. Today, I would like to pitch another idea, and it is not a new idea, Mr. Speaker. It's one that the people of Aklavik have advocated for many years. I am talking about the completion of the Willow River bridge and all-weather road.

Mr. Speaker, for those who have not had the privilege of visiting Aklavik, let me set the scene for you. Outside the community, in the foothills of the Richardson Mountains, my constituents of Aklavik have practised their traditional lifestyle of hunting, trapping, fishing, as well as gathering and harvesting.

Those traditional trails are still in use today, but overland access to this part of the foothills is currently restricted to the wintertime or during rare periods of low water, when a jury-rigged bridge can be used.

If the bridge and all-weather road were completed, residents would have year-round access. Not only that, but the hamlet could also easily access gravel resources, families could use the area for day recreation, and the improved infrastructure would be a draw to tourists and sport hunters. The road could also open options for new solid waste or water treatment facilities.

Mr. Speaker, the proposed project has undergone environmental impact screening, and Tetra Tech and Nehtruh-EBA Consulting Ltd. have developed plans and designs for a road that would shorten the current 27 kilometre ice-based overland route to a year-round route of just 19.2 kilometres. Aklavik, where jobs are sorely needed, has also demonstrated that it is ready to take on the work, both the challenges and the opportunities. For example, the Mountain Road Committee, including elder representation, has done a feasibility study.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted