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Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to address the Northwest Territories Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists at their annual professional development symposium. The theme for this year’s symposium was Building a Resilient North, which underscores a collective commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering innovative solutions for a sustainable future for residents. Today, I want to highlight the pivotal role that strategic infrastructure plays in securing the future prosperity of the Northwest Territories.

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Due to historically low water levels on the Mackenzie River, all Marine Transportation Services (MTS) barges to Norman Wells and Tulita are cancelled for the 2024 sailing season.

This difficult but necessary decision was made as the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence is not navigable and includes obstacles such as large boulders and gravel bars at key maneuvering areas. Current conditions are unsafe for marine crews and would risk the integrity of vessels, cargo and fuel. We understand that these changes have negative impacts on customers, but safety remains our top priority.

Essential restoration work will continue in the Hay River Harbour this summer to ensure safe navigation for all users, and to support vital marine resupply activities.

Dredging operations are scheduled to occur between June 3 and September 14, 2024, primarily in the three fingers area of the East Channel and the outfall into Great Slave Lake. On-water work hours will be from 7am to 9pm daily.

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Good morning and thank you for inviting me to be a part of NAPEG's Professional Development Symposium.

Marine Transportation Services (MTS) is informing the public of changes to the operations schedule that will impact all communities north of Norman Wells. 

All cargo destined for communities north of Norman Wells must now be directed to the Tuktoyaktuk Terminal instead of Hay River.  This includes the communities of Fort Good Hope, Aklavik, Kugluktuk, Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking input from residents on proposed socio-economic mitigation strategies for the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project.

A public meeting will be held in Tulita to provide an update on the project and discuss the socio-economic mitigation measures proposed for the project. This meeting will also provide an important opportunity for residents to provide feedback. Door prizes and dinner will be provided.

When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024

              6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Tulita Community Arena

Northwest Territories (NWT) residents are invited to have their say on proposed Elevators and Lifts Regulations.

The Elevators and Lifts Act received assent in November 2022. The Act cannot come into force until the Regulations are complete and ready to be adopted.

Over 6,290,000 litres of fuel were delivered to eight NWT communities during a successful 2023/2024 winter road season.

Despite a shorter winter road season due to warm temperatures and extra fuel delivery pressures due to a shortened barge season, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) was able to successfully resupply the communities it serves through the Petroleum Products Program. The delivered fuel was comprised of 4,757,000 litres of diesel, 1,246,000 litres of gasoline, and 294,000 litres of jet fuel.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking input from residents in Tulita on the Fish and Fish Habitat Offsetting Plan for the Great Bear River Bridge project.

A meeting will be held in Tulita where the GNWT will provide an update on the project and discuss the Fish and Fish Habitat Offsetting plan. This meeting will also provide an important opportunity for residents to provide feedback. Door prizes and dinner will be provided.

When: Thursday, April 25, 2024
              6 p.m. to 8 p.m.