Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is correct, we are looking at the dredging in Hay River. So I do want to mention that in 2020, the Department of Infrastructure submitted a proposal for federal funding to partially dredge and restore the Hay River harbour but it was not approved. The request for funding over three years to undertake initial mechanical support, mechanical spot dredging only in the most heaviest silted areas of Hay River harbour, within the East Channel and at the harbour's mouth, as determined from our operations.

Mr. Speaker, the focus was on restoring navigability to facilitate safe passage of vessels including those of Canadian Coast Guard, the tugs, the barges of MTS, and commercial fishing vessels. So the request was not intended to cover the more extensive dredging that is required to restore the entire harbour to fully operating draft and safe navigability. So the extent of which can only be determined with regular bathymetric surveys.

Mr. Speaker, once the restoration is complete, an ongoing dredging program should be reestablished to be able to resolve long-term issue. This would also require base funding, long-term commitment from the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will the Minister confirm if any bathymetry or hydrographic mapping of the Hay River harbour has been completed to determine the extent of dredging required? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the most recent bathymetric assessment of the harbour was completed by the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada at the request of coast guard in 2016. So in recent light of the events at the age of the most recent bathymetric assessment, a more recent bathymetric assessment will need to be obtained in order to do the rest of the work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, does the Minister have any preliminary costs to dredge the Hay River Harbour? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department has not identified any cost to dredge the Hay River harbour, nor assessed if timing influences that cost. When we did the proposal in 26 [sic], there was a number of factors involved, it's now 2022, so we need to look at the difference.

So I just want to note so the first step in assessing the cost for the dredging is to quantify the amount of location and location of the material to be removed. So our recent correspondence and discussions with the federal officials have identified the importance of starting a study to be able to obtain this information. I do want to note that, you know, Infrastructure is aware of the technical, legal, procedural, and environmental consideration that are complexities associated with dredging the harbour. As the federal government is responsible for the harbour under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, they would also need to be involved in identifying the complexities and options that are available for dredging. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Hay River South.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister kind of answered some of the last question I had here. But there are complexities. And I'd just like to know, you know, when we talk about dredging, we're talking about methods; we're talking about engineering; we're talking about permitting; we're talking about equipment; we're talking about safety; we're talking about, you know, the area, the depth of the water; the aquatic life, mitigation, incremental weather, and costs. So what portion of those complexities has the department looked at and are they actioning any plans on any of those areas? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Member pointed out, the department is aware of the technical, legal, procedural, environmental, and the list goes on for the type of work that needs to be done to be able to dredge the Hay River harbour. It is complex. And I also mentioned that we need to work with the federal government to be able to look at some options that are available.

I do want to note, Mr. Speaker, that based on the information that was provided to Infrastructure, as of 2016, there was approximately a hundred thousand cubic metres of mud and silt at the site. So, I mean, you look at the complexities that's a lot of silt, which exceeded established grade requirements. So at this time, it was estimated that at least half of this amount should be removed to be able to avoid any further impending navigations of the harbour.

I do want to also note that, you know, the importance of continuing to lobby the federal government to be able to stress the importance of this to Hay River. Mr. Speaker, I spoke earlier in my first set of questions from the Member the importance of trying to get some of our supplies up the river so -- I know you're telling me to move on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Great Slave.