We wanted these projects to match real life issues and the challenges that we face in the Northwest Territories, so a sample of what the engineering design staff experience every day in our departments.
We have had them have a look at a couple of things: the Slave Geological Province alignment; health monitoring of the Deh Cho bridge; road alignment for the new winter road to Deline; repair options for airports at the Hay River, Yellowknife, and Inuvik runways, as we have challenges around them; options for Highway No. 3; and possible options for permafrost as well.
One thing about having these students up here is it is always good to have a fresh set of eyes on these projects. These students have given us a wide range of ideas over the last few years, and they have actually assisted us in solving some of the problems that the department has had. At the same time, when they are up here, particularly the Royal Military College, DND has had them look at a number of issues that they face in the Northwest Territories. They get a good, true picture of what is going on in the NWT and the challenges that we have, particularly around some of these climate change issues and alignment issues. They are a great asset, and we welcome them back here any time.