Check against delivery. 

Thank you and good afternoon. It is a pleasure to welcome Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Collin Carrie to the Northwest Territories and to Yellowknife. We know that he has a very busy week ahead of him and I am sure he will receive a warm welcome in all the communities he visits. I would also like to recognize my fellow MLAs.

Today we are announcing an investment of $72 million dollars through the federal New Building Canada Plan and $24 million from the Government of the Northwest Territories, for a combined total of $96 million dollars. We welcome Canada’s investment in the Northwest Territories transportation system and their shared commitment to our goal of a healthy and prosperous north.

Under Minister Beaulieu’s guidance, this funding will allow the Government of the Northwest Territories to invest in transportation infrastructure essential for the economic health and prosperity of our territory and residents.

Our success depends upon building and maintaining core transportation infrastructure necessary to move people, resources, and goods to meet our economic and social needs.

With today’s announcement, the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue investing in infrastructure improvements across the transportation system beginning this summer, from the Dempster Highway in the Beaufort Delta to the Liard Highway in the Dehcho.

MLA for Nahendeh, Kevin Menicoche, has worked long and hard to see the highways in his constituency receive funding. In fact a quick review of Hansard shows he has raised the issue 142 times. I hope he will be pleased with today’s announcement that will see improvements to all Government of the Northwest Territories highways, including Highway 1 reconstruction and resurfacing Highway 7.

These projects enhance the quality of life for Northerners, create jobs, and improve connections between our communities.

The projects will also improve sections of the highway system requiring upgrading because of age and increased traffic loads associated with current and future activities in resource development.

As mentioned in a recent report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; despite current declines in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, the world will still need these resources for a long time to come.

The Government of the Northwest Territories intends to invest in public infrastructure by reconstructing and rehabilitating the existing system that will assist economic growth until momentum is regained in resource development opportunities in all regions of the Northwest Territories.

We are also guided by the Department of Transportation’s updated strategy “Connecting Us: Northwest Territories Transportation Strategy 2015-2040” focused with a vision of “Northerners connected to opportunities”.

Today’s funding announcement of $96 million is aimed at improving the existing system but more work will need to be done. The Government of the Northwest Territories is finalizing additional submissions to Canada for projects that include improvements to community and regional airports, bridge rehabilitation and replacement, safety enhancements, and extending the winter road system which bridges connections between our families and communities.

The Government of the Northwest Territories looks forward to future funding announcements on Infrastructure projects.

We also look forward to the continued partnerships with the federal government in advancing the17th Assembly’s vision of a strong and prosperous territory that provides economic opportunities and jobs to its residents.

Thank you.