Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk to dredging, a topic that has been discussed on the floor of this House for many years with no sitting government wanting to take responsibility for it. The federal government at one time provided the infrastructure and resources to dredge the harbour of the Hay River. That program ended in the early 90s, resulting in equipment being sold off and not replaced.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Hay River has the largest inland port in western Canada. It is home to a Canadian coast guard base, a federal department of fisheries and oceans office, our own marine transportation service, and a viable commercial fishing industry. As one can fathom, Hay River is a major and significant component of our northern transportation corridor and fishing industry. It is where truck and rail freight from the south converge to be loaded on barges destined for communities and mineral resource development projects further north. It is important we do not forget that fact.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this year the buildup of sediments at the mouth of the east channel of the Hay River reached a critical level. Last spring, and throughout the summer, MTS, coast guard, and commercial fishing vessels all experienced grounding of vessels on sandbars resulting in negative impacts on equipment, marine service delivery, and industry livelihood.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that dredging is a federal government's responsibility as that has been the answer of the current and previous ministers have communicated repeatedly. I have said it before, and I'll say it again. Regardless of whose responsibility it is, the issue is in our back yard. So as far as I'm concerned, it is our problem. Is it our responsibility, and we must do something about it.
Mr. Speaker, this government, with financial support from the Government of Canada, has, over the last several years, spent well over $50 million on the commercial fishery, more than $50 million on the purchase, repair, and operation of MTS assets and property, and most recently we are anticipating $200 million plus to address flooding damage in the community of Hay River; costs that continue to rise when harbour access is compromised.
Mr. Speaker, therefore, I expect this government to action its dredging plan prior to marine vessels leaving the harbour this coming spring, and I expect to see dredging take place at the mouth of the Hay River this winter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.