Debates of Nov. 9th, 2000

This is page numbers 815 - 849 of the Hansard for the 14th Assembly, 3rd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was power.

Topics

Members Present

Item 1: Prayer

Diamond Certification Program

The Future Of The Northwest Territories Power Corporation

Need For A Comprehensive Energy Strategy

Political Interference In Power Generation Initiative

Fuel Stabilization Fund

Passing Of Respected Elders

Uncertain Future Of Power Distribution In Hay River

Review Of Power Generation, Distribution And Regulation

Dogrib Power Corporation

Concerns Of South Slave Residents Regarding Power Generation

Impacts Of Proposed Power Corporation Privatization

Item 4: Returns To Oral Questions

Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

GNWT Energy Policy

Scope Of Power Generation Review

NWT Power Corporation Governance Issues

Fuel Stabilization Fund

Conditions Of Sale Of NWT Power Corporation

Power Generation And Distribution Review

Link Between Power Subsidy And Dividends

Elimination Of Community Generators

Taltson Dam Licensing

Impacts Of Power Corporation Sale

Mandate Of Power Generation Review Team

NTPC Reorganization Plan

Protection From Increased Fuel Costs In Inuvik

Revert To Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

Fort Mcpherson Water Quality And Cost

Health Concerns In Fort Mcpherson

Process For Approval Of Emergency Funding

Request For Emergency Funding

Written Question 15-14(3): Fort Mcpherson Water Quality

Tabled Document 73-14(3): World Wildlife Fund Arctic Bulletin No. 3.00

Bill 16: An Act To Amend The Motor Vehicles Act

Bill 17: An Act To Amend The Legislative Assembly And Executive Council Act

Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters

Item 20: Report Of Committee Of The Whole

Item 22: Orders Of The Day

Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 826

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Honourable Jake Ootes. As I indicated in my Member's statement, the use of hydroelectric power as opposed to diesel generated power drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In many northern communities, power is supplied by the use of diesel generators located in the centre of town. This is both unhealthy and expensive for the residents.

I would like to ask the Minister, what plans does the Northwest Territories Power Corporation have to eliminate community generators that cause health problems? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 826

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, Mr. Ootes.

Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 826

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, the issue of power plants being located in close proximity to residents is one that the corporation is naturally concerned about and from time to time has to deal with. Fort Simpson was an example where the question arose as to the noise factor in that community and what could be done about it. It was one of the issues. The corporation attempts to do its best to address those kind of concerns where noise pollution is a factor. It has to be done, of course, within the financial capability of the corporation to address those issues.

Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 826

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier in this session, I outlined the benefits of placing hydro lines along our road to resources, connecting the communities and delivering power to these communities. Has the Power Corporation discussed the benefits of this with other departments? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, Mr. Ootes.

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure. A lot of discussion has taken place as of today but certainly part of the energy strategy, of course, is being undertaken in various areas. The Arctic Energy Alliance and Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development are involved in an energy study, so there are potentially areas here that could be looked at, but I am not sure what has been done to date across departments.

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the development of new mines such as Diavik and Winspear, the Dogrib Power Corporation is negotiating the generation of hydroelectric power for these sites. One mine site has roughly the equivalent need for power as the entire city of Yellowknife. Is the Power Corporation working with the Dogrib Power Corporation to deliver hydro power to the mines? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Mr. Ootes.

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

I missed part of the question. I believe the Member asked is the Power Corporation working with the Dogrib communities to look at potential for the mines? Am I correct in that, Mr. Speaker?

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Yes, Mr. Ootes, that was the question.

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Yes, informal discussions have taken place between the Power Corporation and I believe some advances have been made on both parts to discuss this possibility. Thank you.

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Ootes. I will just remind Members that when they start off with a line of questioning, it should remain within those parameters on the one subject, just for future reference. Final supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Leon Lafferty North Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Power Corporation has signed a 65-year lease with the Dogrib Power Corporation for the power generated from the dam. If the Power Corporation is sold, will the Dogribs be able to have an opportunity to purchase the Power Corporation?

Supplementary To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Mr. Ootes.

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That to me would be a hypothetical question. I cannot answer that question.

Further Return To Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Question 249-14(3): Elimination Of Community Generators
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Minister Ootes. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Nitah.

Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Mr. Ootes. Can the Minister tell me when the next water license has to be issued for the Taltson Hydro Dam? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Nitah. The honourable Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Mr. Ootes.

Return To Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Mr. Speaker, I do not have the answer to that question. Thank you.

Return To Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Supplementary, Mr. Nitah.

Return To Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, through the review of the Power Corporation that the honourable Minister responsible for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and Finance put together, as part of that, has the Power Corporation been considered for sale? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Nitah. I will just remind the Member that the questions should be on the same subject. It started off with the licensing of the Taltson Dam and we are moving to the sale of the Power Corporation and it may be pushing the envelope a bit about subjects. Perhaps the Member has another question following the same thread? Mr. Nitah.

Supplementary To Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Question 250-14(3): Taltson Dam Licensing
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 827

Steven Nitah Tu Nedhe

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was going to continue in line with the same questioning but the Minister does not have an answer for me, so I kind of veered off, but I will get back to the Taltson. The Taltson Hydro Dam, the Twin Gorges Dam, could that be considered a separate saleable entity of the Power Corporation? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of Nov. 9th, 2000

Topics

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