Thank you, Madam Speaker. During the past year, my constituents have raised concerns regarding the possible privatization of the NWT Power Corporation. Madam Premier has stated that she intends to bring forward a proposal on privatization for discussion before the end of this session. Madam Speaker, I, along with many of my colleagues, have also raised and discussed many concerns which must be addressed by the government prior to any consideration of our support to sell off the Power Corporation.

Some of these concerns and issues include the status of the rate subsidy program, how a continuation of the program can be ensured, and the justification for disposition of the NWT Power Corporation, why it is necessary, besides generating a one-time revenue from the sale which will be used to offset other fiscal requirements of the government on a short-term basis. The current NWT Power Corporation operation is profitable, generating a positive return to our government which is used to finance a rate subsidy program to assist higher cost communities while also paying back the long-term debt.

Madam Speaker, if operated efficiently, this GNWT asset will be one worth holding on to, unlike other privatization initiatives undertaken to save our government money. The other issues which must be addressed as to what effect privatization of the Power Corporation will have include the status of the current employees, power rates as a result of the corporation becoming a taxable entity, affirmative action initiatives, buy north initiatives, and the current responsiveness and accountability of the Power Corporation to the public through the GNWT and the Legislative Assembly.

Madam Speaker, the government is aware of these issues. I certainly hope they will be addressed in the proposal coming forward for discussion. At this time, I will not even consider supporting privatization of the Power Corporation until I am assured that these issues are dealt with to my satisfaction, to that of my colleagues, and most importantly, to the satisfaction of my constituents and all northerners who will be directly affected by the initiative.

Madam Speaker, I believe that privatization of the Power Corporation is a government initiative that lacks any political support from Members of this Assembly. If this is the case, I hope it's demise will be quick in order that our government can focus on matters which our constituents fully support, such as providing housing, education, training, and developing employment and income-earning opportunities. Mahsi cho.

---Applause