Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife

In the Legislative Assembly on November 9th, 1994. See this topic in context.

Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board. On October 12, 1994, the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board was asked in this House why the board had not scheduled public hearings in Nunavut, or for that matter, anywhere else outside of Yellowknife regarding the NWT Power Corporation's general rate application.

Since this application would have a significant effect on all communities in the Northwest Territories, Members were quite surprised that no hearings were scheduled in communities other than Yellowknife. The Minister said, "quite frankly, I'm quite surprised myself," and promised to "take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the Public Utilities Board will meet in those regions affected." Can the Minister tell us when and where these other public hearings are due to take place? Mahsi.

Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker

Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Mr. Todd.

Return To Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, I did say at the time that I was equally as surprised as the Members

were. I have spoken to the chairman since that time, and in defence of the Public Utilities Board, their concern was cost because they are trying to keep this board lean and mean so it doesn't cost the government and, ultimately, everybody in the territories a lot of money.

I have got the chairman of the board's assurances that, in future, and when this hearing concludes, there will be hearings in the territories with respect to this issue and future hearings of this magnitude. Thank you.

Return To Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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The Speaker

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Supplementary To Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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Jim Antoine Nahendeh

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is good that we hear this, because we were quite interested in my area to have this type of hearing in the communities because it is going to affect everybody who pays power bills. Can the Minister commit to consulting again with the chairman of the Public Utilities Board and immediately return to this House with a schedule for further public hearings on the Power Corporation's application? Thank you.

Supplementary To Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

November 8th, 1994

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The Speaker

Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Mr. Todd.

Further Return To Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

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John Todd Keewatin Central

Maybe I should say that it is my understanding, in talking to the chairman of the PUB, that hearings will be held -- if that's the right term -- in the areas immediately affected with this particular issue. I believe in Inuvik, Iqaluit, et cetera. But, I know that the chairman of the board and the committee recognize now that there is clearly a need when we are dealing with issues that affect us all, that they must move out of the centre, in Yellowknife, and let the people be heard. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Question 400-12(6): Location Of Pub Hearings Outside Of Yellowknife
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 881

The Speaker

Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.