Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to update you on new initiatives being introduced over the coming months to enhance public safety for residents and road users in the Territory. We can all agree that when it comes to safety there is a lot on the line.

There are more than 26,000 licensed drivers registered in the Northwest Territories. The latest Territorial Traffic Collisions Report shows nearly 430 vehicle collisions in one year with 15.5 per cent resulting in injury and a whopping 20.5 per cent involving impaired driving. In July 2023, the RCMP conducted a roadside survey in Yellowknife and found that 16 per cent of nighttime drivers that were tested had consumed alcohol, drugs, or both, particularly those aged 25 to 34.

Mr. Speaker, we are launching new initiatives to make our roads safer, including a new Highway Conditions map. This map will provide modernized up-to-the-minute information on ferry and ice crossings, road closures due to incidents, poor weather, construction or wildfires. Commercial drivers will get real-time updates on weight restrictions and winter road conditions. We also have 12 cameras users will be able to view to see the conditions of the road for themselves. Our system will give drivers instant and reliable highway updates for safer and more efficient travel.

In response to a changing climate, gathering data to inform our decisions is crucial. The data collected through this system will help us better plan and maintain our highways, helping improve our transportation systems for the future.

Additionally, we are launching a new Safe Driving Campaign aimed at reducing collisions and promoting safe driving practices across the Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to ensuring the safety of people on our roads. In the North, as you know, these roads are a lifeline connecting remote communities and delivering essential supplies.

Mr. Speaker, driver and road safety impacts everyone. Basic awareness can prevent serious injuries, save lives, and ensure the integrity of our highway system. This campaign will bring together several GNWT departments, the RCMP, and communities to work together on joint promotions throughout the year. It will focus on raising awareness, changing behaviors and encouraging responsible driving habits.

I encourage all residents to participate in the Safe Driving Campaign, be mindful of speed limits, avoid distractions, never drive impaired, and always wear a seatbelt.

In closing, I acknowledge the efforts of law enforcement, community leaders, and everyone committed to promoting road safety. Your dedication is vital to the success of this campaign and the well-being of our residents., because we can all agree there is a lot on the line.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.