Check against delivery.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to provide an update on Marine Transportation Services operations for the 2025 sailing season.

Every spring, residents and businesses across the territory are eager to plan shipments of their essential goods and equipment by our barges along the Mackenzie River, Great Slave Lake, and communities in the Western Arctic.

As people are aware, in 2024, Marine Transportation Services operations were affected by record low water levels. This created unnavigable conditions along the Mackenzie River and presented a challenge to the Canadian Coast Guard, who were unable to put buoys in the water, these buoys are key navigational aids. Not only was our sailing season disrupted, but marine operations for other commercial shipping companies were also cancelled.

Thankfully, proactive contingency planning efforts made it possible for affected customers in the Beaufort Delta and Inuvialuit Settlement Region to make arrangements for their cargo to be redirected to our terminal in Tuktoyaktuk.

Mr. Speaker, our waterways represent an important piece in the North’s supply chain puzzle. As the essential resupply option for many remote communities during our spring and summer months, Marine Transportation Services’ contribution toward the success of NWT’s supply chain is undeniable. There is great work being done to contribute to this service and it spans various departments, divisions, and sectors, both within and outside of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, to give you an update on the 2025 shipping season. The Canadian Coast Guard has not yet made a final decision on whether or not the buoys can be put in the water and Marine Transportation Services continues to monitor water levels along the Mackenzie River to assess options with resupply operations.

Sailing plans are being developed based on cargo loads that Marine Transportation Services is expected to receive if the river is navigable. We remain adaptable to the changing forecast this season and are continuing to work closely with the hydrology team at the Department of Environment and Climate Change to monitor water levels along the way.

In the event of last year’s circumstances repeating themselves, Marine Transportation Services has developed a contingency plan that may give us the opportunity ship out from the south side of the N’Dulee ferry crossing. Staff are working closely with the Canadian Coast Guard to allow some buoys to be placed in key locations between the N’Dulee ferry crossing and Tulita. Should any route changes disrupt shipments, staff will be available to assist affected customers like we did last year. Our Fuel Services Division is also involved should any logistic plans change, and our staff are prepared to work toward another busy winter resupply season to make up for any essential services that may be affected by low water levels.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that regardless of water levels, improvements to procedures and service delivery continue to be made by our hard-working staff. This work includes using vessels more efficiently and reducing downtime during the sailing season.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, the team is watching water levels closely and planning for each scenario. We will continue to keep the public aware once the coast guard has received a decision and as we better understand the water levels along the Mackenzie River and any impacts to this year’s shipping season.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.