Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions has an interim report on the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

The Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions, under the authority given to it by this House, has been reviewing matters related to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

Throughout the review process, the standing committee has been focusing on the following aspects: the mandate, organization structure and operations of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation; the composition and duties of the corporation's board of directors and senior management; working relationships between the board of directors and the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation; statutory and procedural relations between the power corporation and the Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board; pertinent legislation, regulations and policy; current physical holdings, capital financing and the capital upgrade program; research, evaluation and development policy at the power corporation; models and procedures for community consultation and input; policies and procedures for effecting positive customer relations; and, principles and proposed approaches related to privatization of the Power Corporation.

The Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions held initial public hearings in Yellowknife on November 25, 1992. At that time the standing committee invited the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Honourable Nellie Cournoyea, and senior corporation officials to appear as witnesses. Witness representation was also received from the Department of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The chairperson of the Public Utilities Board appeared before the standing committee as a witness, as well.

A subcommittee held public hearings on February 2, 1993, in Inuvik. These focused on future planning activities for the Power Corporation and, specifically, on policies established or research, evaluation and development. The Minister responsible for the Power Corporation attended as a witness, along with the chairperson of the board of directors and several senior officials. Witnesses representing the Union of Northern Workers also presented a brief commentary on the proposed privatization of the Power Corporation.

A second subcommittee held further open meetings and round table discussions in Cape Dorset on February 2, 1993, to focus on community input processes and customer relations policy. The hamlet council and other key stakeholders were represented at discussion sessions.

Public hearings were also held before the second subcommittee in Iqaluit on February 4, 1993, to consider current physical holdings and the capital planning process. Senior corporation officials appeared as witnesses during those public hearings. Representation was also made by the Union of Northern Workers at the Iqaluit hearings, again on the subject of privatization. The standing committee also heard from several other public witnesses, as well.

In addition, Members of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions have also been provided with an opportunity to tour power plant facilities in Iqaluit, Inuvik, Cape Dorset and Lake Harbour. This has provided an invaluable perspective on the scope and technical challenges of operations within the Power Corporation. It has also conveyed an understanding of the differences which exist between communities with respect to the age and technology of their power plants.

Plans had also been made for a subcommittee of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions to hold public consultations in Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik. The standing committee very much regrets the fact that inclement weather prevented air travel and resulted in the cancellation of these meetings. Members look forward to visiting those communities should the opportunity arise on a future occasion.

The standing committee wishes to acknowledge the cooperation and thoughtful input received from witnesses during all public hearings and consultations.

This input, as well as the examination of planning documents, policy directives and statistics provided by corporation officials, will form the basis for future comments and recommendations arising from the standing committee's review. The committee will meet during the summer months for further public hearings and to examine the additional issues arising from information provided to date.

In addition to continuing its review of issues raised during initial hearings, further areas for committee examination include, but are not limited to: the record of return on shareholders' equity; the allocation of funds and human resources to support corporate administrative requirements; the framework for corporate decision-making; corporate activities to encourage and support the use of northern labour, materials and resources; contracting and purchasing policies and performance within the Power Corporation; the nature of the employee work environment; Power Corporation initiatives aimed at the introduction of cost-effective alternate energy sources; strategies undertaken by the Power Corporation to encourage energy conservation; levels of responsibility demonstrated by the Power Corporation in addressing environmental issues; accountability mechanisms, including a further review of the statutory authorities of the Public Utilities Board, the Minister, the Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly; relations between the Power Corporation and non-government utilities in the Northwest Territories; the potential for agreements with other jurisdictions, including potential for the sale of energy outside the Northwest Territories; rationale, principles and proposed approaches related to the privatization of the Power Corporation; and, larger issues related to the impact of the Power Corporation on corporate and consumer affairs in the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions wishes to acknowledge the excellent cooperation and assistance received to date from the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and her officials, as well as from the Public Utilities Board.

The standing committee looks forward to completing its review and is confident that the current process will result in a constructive and well-documented final report.

Mr. Speaker, that concludes the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions' interim report on the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

Motion To Receive And Adopt Committee Report 13-12(3)

Therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the interim report on the Northwest Territories Power Corporation be received and adopted. Mahsi.