Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Todd on June 17, regarding a privatization study of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. On March 26, 1992, I indicated to this Assembly that it was the intention of this government to privatize the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. This direction is consistent with the position of the previous government and standing committee on finance, and it has been the objective since the purchase of the Northern Canada Power Commission At that time, I suggested a phased-in process may be considered but that a privatization strategy would be developed and that the strategy would be provided to the standing committee on finance.
On April 2, 1992, I indicated to this Assembly that the government would consider recruitment of an independent consultant to prepare a report on the feasibility of privatization. In addition, I agreed to provide the results of that study, if complete, at the fall session. To date, discussion between officials of the Department of the Executive, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation has taken place. Mr. Fred Abbott, retired partner with Coopers and Lybrand, has been retained to prepare are port on the feasibility of privatization, and I anticipate the report will be complete by the fall session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.