Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Dempster Highway plays an important role for Inuvik. In fact, it's the lifeline to the Beaufort-Delta. Over the years, we have seen many upgrades and improvements to the Dempster, and most of the hazardous sections have been corrected or widened. Mr. Speaker, you are aware that the widening of the highway usually consists of four kilometres per year and started at the NWT border and is working its way north to Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, residents in my community also use the Dempster Highway from Inuvik south to access fishing, camping, recreation sites south of Inuvik and around close proximity to my community. Mr. Speaker, the 50 kilometres south of Inuvik are used not only by Inuvik residents, but now residents coming in from Tuktoyaktuk. We have seen them come in and come camping, as well, and head out to places like the Gwich'in Territorial Park. On this section of road, we have had many accidents on certain corners of the Dempster Highway just outside of Inuvik. Mr. Speaker, at our current rate of widening the Dempster from just one end, Inuvik won't see some of the last remaining hazardous sections widen just outside Inuvik for at least 30 years. Mr. Speaker, Inuvik residents also deserve to have this section outside of Inuvik widened, as well, and not have to wait 30 years to reach us. Today, I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure regarding widening the road south of Inuvik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Lesa Semmler on Dempster Highway
In the Legislative Assembly on June 12th, 2020. See this statement in context.
See context to find out what was said next.