Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Member. Yes, we have worked with industry to extend the hours there, in Simpson, for an extra couple of hours during the summer. I think that has worked out great.
The department is always looking at ways to improve partnership and innovation or efficiencies on our ferries. These are challenging times these days, with the climate change and water levels that are happening.
The department has this coming capital plan on his specific ferry for his region. In the capital acquisition plan that was tabled earlier in this session, we are going to have new engines there that are going to increase the horsepower and lower fuel consumption on that ferry.
We are continuing to monitor the water levels on a regular basis. We continue to communicate with the communities, all communities, residents in the Northwest Territories, and the travelling public as early as possible to get the message out there of these conditions changing on a daily basis.
The Liard ferry normally closes on November 3rd, and I think, with the adjustments that we have made and operate on a daylight hours, we are going to continue to operate as long as possible. It's looking very positive that we might meet that same date.