Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, there are many complicated issues before us every day as politicians. The tough issues get left to us. One of these is the issue of privatization of the NWT Power Corporation. I know, Madam Speaker, that MLAs and many organizations already have strong views and concerns on this issue. I would like to see the issue debated fully in public and in this Assembly. However, Madam Speaker, if we are to have a debate in this Assembly and if there's to be a good public debate, I hope it is a reasoned debate and I hope it will be based on facts.
The Union of Northern Workers is concerned about this issue and seeking to influence public opinion and, it seems, the opinions of MLAs. Yesterday, I received a hand-delivered letter in this Chamber on Union of Northern Workers stationary signed by Mrs. Josie Gould, chairperson of the committee against privatization. An attachment to the letter suggests to me that the UNW is engaged in fear-mongering. The attachment is titled, No Deal: How Your Power Bill Will Increase When the Subsidy is Removed. A list of communities then follows with examples of how monthly power bills will at least double when the subsidy is removed.
Madam Speaker, the fact is, the setting of electrical rates is the responsibility of the Public Utilities Board, not the Union of Northern Workers. The subsidy is undoubtedly an issue of concern if the NWT Power Corporation is to be privatized or partially privatized. However, I think it is irresponsible of the UNW to publish information suggesting power bills will increase when the subsidy is removed, as if it is a statement of fact, as if the UNW can accurately predict what rates the PUB would set, as if the UNW knows that there is no other way a subsidy can be provided, such as by a government program.
Madam Speaker, Members of this House, let us have a debate on privatization of the Power Corporation. Let us have a public discussion, but let the debate be based on a reasoned discussion of the issues, not on scare tactics and fear-mongering. Thank you.