Review panel seeks Northern perspectives on the Canada Transportation Act

by ahnationtalk on June 4, 2015488 Views

Yellowknife (June 3, 2015) – A federally-appointed arm’s length panel reviewing the Canada Transportation Act is gathering feedback from Northerners on how new transportation policy and program development can further support sustainable economic development in the Northwest Territories.

Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu welcomed the visiting panel members saying, “this is a valuable and unique opportunity for Northerners to provide our perspectives on how the transportation system can support economic growth with nation-building projects, such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway to Norman Wells, an all-weather road into the Slave Geological Province and an all-weather road to Whatı̀ in the Tłįchǫ̨ region.”

Department of Transportation staff are escorting Review Panel members to Hay River today where they will meet with representatives from the transportation sector, such as NTCL, Coast Guard and the Great Slave Harbour Authority.

In a statement to the Legislative Assembly, Minister Beaulieu said, “these meetings will provide Panel Members with first-hand information on areas of concern that involve the federal government, such as the maintenance of federal marine facilities, and dredging the Port of Hay River and critical sections of the Mackenzie River to accommodate fully loaded tugs and barges, fishing boats and the Coast Guard fleet.”

The visit follows a round table discussion held in Yellowknife on June 2, 2015 with approximately 45 invited representatives of the NWT transportation sector including industry representatives, users, experts and others who represent a broad range of perspectives and experience on northern transportation. Panel Members received input on how changes to federal policy and programs can help to resolve current and emerging transportation challenges in the NWT. Transportation representatives also encouraged the panel to recommend that a new federal infrastructure program be established to meet the specific needs of the north.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has provided the Panel with extensive input on the Canada Transportation Act review to help advance the 17th Assembly’s goal of an environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.

Media inquiries: Roya Grinsted Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

NT3

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