Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to make my statement. The Mackenzie River itself, Mr. Speaker, is 1,650 kilometres in length. In most areas, its 1.6 to 3.2 kilometres in width can present many logistical challenges, particularly during the later part of the low-water season.
I have seen it myself during my boat ride of last month between the communities of Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope. In particular, you have to cross two sets of rapids and, in particular, one just above Fort Good Hope, eight kilometres. There is a landmark rock on the outside of the boat route, the only route on that section that is passable. Now, the rock in my last trip was showing, measuring the low-water season.
Mr. Speaker, this is the main supply chain for many routes and coastal communities, the resupply that is the utmost importance to community residents and businesses that the Marine Transportation Services provides.
Last month, during my visit to the community of Hay River, I was accompanied by the Minister of Infrastructure to tour the Marine Training Centre, which gave me the privilege of meeting two young ladies taking marine courses, one from Deline and one from Tulita. It was quite remarkable to see them, Mr. Speaker, these young ladies pursuing their career choices. Given the logistical challenges that our service company has to resupply and the importance of sustaining those communities and the businesses and supporting the residents in particular the store shops, later, Mr. Speaker, I will have progress questions to the appropriate Minister on the progress of this sailing season on resupply. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.