Frederick Blake Jr.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister just said that the Merv Hardie is the backup plan, yet to get it ready to operate, it'll cost $1.5 million. Why would we spend that $1.5 million rather than investing that into a new vessel?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a little follow-up to my questions I asked earlier. You know, as I mentioned the Louis Cardinal, it's pretty clear that the vessel has had its time in the waters; it's time to replace this unit, you know, before we have any incidents. We always have to try to avoid these. Always prepare and make sure we have the proper infrastructure. Will the Minister at least commit to doing a planning study to be prepared in case we do have to replace the unit? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I know that may sound like a lot, but actually for a vessel that size I think that's a very good deal myself. You know, with the infrastructure that we are spending, you know, $100 million, $200 million here, $450 million over here, I mean I think that's a small price to pay here. But moving forward, will the department start examining ways to address this cost and meet this challenge? For example, undertaking the planning study?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, follow-up to my Member’s Statement. I have a few questions for the Minister of Transportation. I'd like to ask the Minister, what criteria does the department use to determine when the ferry vessel must be replaced? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday during Committee of the Whole I talked about the importance of planning ahead when it comes to our transportation infrastructure. When the Inuvik-Tuk Highway is finished next year, Mr. Speaker, we can look forward to increased traffic and more visitors; people new to the Northwest Territories who are interested in work, tourism attractions, or even moving themselves and their families North.

Mr. Speaker, that traffic won't just be concentrated on the Inuvik-Tuk Highway. Let me go back to the example I gave yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the Louis Cardinal...

That's all for questions right now. Thank you.

Sounds good. Just on my next question, I know it's not in the plans until next year but, the department has done a good job replacing both Chief Paul Niditchie School and Chief Julius School but now it's time to replace Moose Kerr School. I know I did ask the question to the Minister to begin a planning study. I know it is in the works for the next couple years here, and I'm just hoping the department has begun that work. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

So I take it the department would be flexible to just upgrade to the new facility if the community was  I know the actual concern right now is just finding the proper place to put the facility, and hopefully we get all that straightened out, too, shortly. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, that's why I'm asking to do the planning study now, rather than wait till, you know, when we're panicking here. But, Mr. Speaker, will the Minister and the department, you know, start planning ahead and put this into the next bundle for the Building Canada Fund.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to ask the Minister: what is the plan for the department if this vessel didn't meet the criteria for the Coast Guard?