Michael McLeod

Mr. Chair, the new regulations that will come into force in 2010 require that the different aircraft, different sizes, be able to demonstrate that they are able to land and take off in certain runway lengths. That does not require us to extend our airports. We did a runway assessment and the Aklavik runway is at 3,000 feet and we continue to feel this is sufficient.

Mr. Chairman, the Member is correct. Any time we have a river crossing or a stream crossing, the perfect solution is a bridge.

Mr. Chairman, there is, I guess, the need to engage the federal government on such a project. We are watching them with great interest to see where the P3 office will end up. We have not seen any projects funded through this program. They have indicated that they still need to set up their board and that has been moving very slowly. Failing that, we would need the federal government to step up and provide the necessary resources.

As I mentioned, there has been some interesting developments over the last while on the Peel River Bridge and we will keep working with the Member on it. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, we do have a concession agreement for the Deh Cho Bridge Corporation to build a bridge. They have been drawing down as the project proceeds.

Mr. Chairman, we do not have that project in this year’s capital plans.

Mr. Chairman, I don’t believe I have that information in front of me. I’d have to commit to provide it to the Member.

That is an area for concern and we recognize as a result of some of the issues that have come forward regarding highways and given the lifecycle of our culverts. Also, as our roads age, our culverts are also in need of replacement. We have stepped up our inspections and will continue to have more inspections as we go forward. We also will be doing accelerated repairs to try to keep up with the demands that are being placed on the culverts, given their age. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe the amounts in the budget for ’08-09 are posted that way because of the timing and the approvals. Thank you.

Yes, I do, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, the Member did raise the issue. I think we had received a letter from the individual. We will see how we can accommodate the request so that the ferry system can still operate and we are not in a situation where we are disturbing anybody else. We will commit to following that up. Thank you.