Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, energy costs are one of the single, largest costs that this government has to bear. In this time of budget reductions and rising energy costs, where the price of oil is going up, the airfares are increasing, it becomes even more critical to look at ways to recognize and realize energy efficiencies which will translate into savings of money to this government and to the people of the Northwest Territories, which is even more important when you look at the growing social problems and the needs that we have and the inadequate funds that we have to address those.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Fort Smith has embarked on two pilot projects that could have significant impact on the development of energy and energy efficiency in the north. Specifically, they have embarked on a hydrogen development project using cutting edge technology, as well as a district heating program for the community entirely funded from the private sector, which is going to realize enough savings over the long term that there will be a benefit to all the people of the Northwest Territories in terms of power rates. I would like to congratulate the people of Fort Smith and NTPC for working with the community on these two initiatives that will have, I am very confident, a positive impact and will benefit the people of the Northwest Territories overall as they realize the potential that is currently there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause