Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement, I raised the concerns of the high temperature system and its impact on the private citizens of Inuvik.
Mr. Speaker, as I said we are thankful. The community of Inuvik is thankful to Cabinet and Mr. Todd for coming forward with the money to change over the system, but there is an impact being felt by residents of Inuvik who are still on the system.
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, I have a couple of copies of bills from residents who are on the system. When you include their electrical bill along with their heating bill and water, they are paying out in a month $1,700 to $1,800 which is absolutely ridiculous. Compared to other constituencies, and I spoke to Mr. Miltenberger from Thebacha, he pays on average $36 a month for his water and sewer and $120 for his electrical. Although some would suggest we move further south, Inuvik is a good place to live. We just have to bring our technology up to current levels and efficiencies. My concern, again, is for the private residents. There are not too many left on the system. It costs them approximately between $15,000 to $20,000 to convert. Right now, there are a number of them still paying out these monthly bills in the winter season. My question is directed to the Minister of FMBS. I brought this issue up before, but I would like to know if there is anything this government can do to lessen the impact of the system that was handed down from past governments, to lessen the impact on these peoples' pocket books? Thank you.