Wally Schumann

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On my left is Julie Mujcin, director of Finance and Administration. On my right is Tracy St-Denis, assistant deputy minister.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. No, this is a multi-year project. I will just read what we have got going on here. Phase I will focus on the layout of the pull-out and a pavilion, completing the design and the structure. Work includes surveys, assessment, estimates, drawings, as well as work with the communities to gather comparative information for the signage, which is important. The second phase will be completed in 2019-2020, which will consist of construction and implementation of the project. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just to alleviate any concerns that the Member has, we just did these exact same replacements up in the BeauDel on an existing ferry up there. The biggest lee time is to get to procurement and get these engines delivered, but I don't believe it will interfere with the sailing season at all, for the Member's concerns. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This has been an ongoing issue. We know that. We already know the concerns that we have around the tourism industry in Yellowknife, but I could have the staff have a look at if there's a way to expedite this and get back to committee. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just for the Member's information of the funding for the engineering on this is done from within, so we are working on that presently. We are looking at possibly maybe moving on this, depending how things go with ITI and stuff, but moving this for the next capital planning session after this one, so it would be 2020-2021. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I want to be quite clear. Our government is on track to deliver these changes by the end of this Legislative Assembly with a number of pieces that we are working on. We believe the federal government believes in good legislation. With that being said, I think with respect to that fact, to get legislation right takes an appropriate amount of time, and we will continue to work on that, and I think that will help strengthen our case with the federal government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Comment noted. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Our plan is to move ahead with changing out these engines and have them ready for next ferry season. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. As this has been a matter of discussion in the House a number of times, most Members are well aware, we are in discussions with the City of Yellowknife on moving forward on how we can work with the city and planning with ITI and some other key partners around this initiative. I know it's very important to the Members of Yellowknife in particular, but we are working with the City of Yellowknife to come up with a strong vision for tourism in the City of Yellowknife and how this includes a longer-term visitors' centre. Those discussions will continue to be ongoing, and I...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Exactly that. We are having a look at possibly realigning this road in the very near future going forward, and we are looking at what types of solutions that would be, and that's why guardrails may not be the best solution at this time if we are looking at realigning this section of highway. Thank you, Mr. Chair.