Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to remind the House that this was a key milestone in the mandate that we secured, so it was nice to see funding for this project.
The funding that has been secured to date will help with the construction of the Bear River Bridge, the planning and environmental studies that led to obtaining permits, the road construction between Wrigley and the newly completed Canyon Creek All-Access Road, as well as construction to an access road from Wrigley to Mount Gaudet.
Canyon Creek All-Season Access Road represents the first step in converting the existing Mackenzie Valley Highway winter road into an all-weather highway. I am pleased to advise Members that the official opening of this road will take place in November in Norman Wells. More information will be coming shortly on that.
Work is now in progress on acquiring permits for the Great Bear River Bridge. The Department of Infrastructure has been undertaking engagement with communities and residents in the Sahtu region to gain input, to finalize aspects of the project, and working to complete applications for permitting. The department also, so far, has held meetings in Deline, Colville Lake, and Tulita, including a public meeting and separate meetings with the hamlet, and meetings are scheduled later this month with Norman Wells Land Corporation Membership and the public, as well as a public meeting at Fort Good Hope.
In terms of next steps for the environmental assessment development and access road to Wrigley to Mount Gaudet, we are examining options that are available to make the determination of the best approach to proceed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.