Mr. Chairman, the agreement which the territorial government has with the supplier, Esso, is on a one year basis. This is what I understand to be true from the Minister's response. The town itself would take over this system with the remaining year, or they can go into additional years. I can understand the Minister's answer about the supply, which has probably been predicted for ten years or more. Although the supply might be there, a one year agreement is hardly long enough to guarantee return on an investment. I do not know too many businesses, in this field, that would want to get into a business on a year to year basis. You spend nearly $1 million on infrastructure and you only have a one year guarantee on supply. Can longer term agreements be entered into, for example ten years? Knowing that there is at least a ten year forecast of supply for natural gas, would the community have an opportunity to get into a longer term arrangement to buy gas?
Tony Whitford on Bill 16: Norman Wells Natural Gas Distribution System Act
In the Legislative Assembly on February 22nd, 1993. See this statement in context.
Bill 16: Norman Wells Natural Gas Distribution System Act
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 21st, 1993
Page 544
See context to find out what was said next.