The committee observes that the Taltson River hydro project is under the jurisdiction of the Financial Management Board Secretariat. When questioned why the authority lay with FMBS rather than RWED or NWTPC, FMBS replied that this is an overall government issue and it would have a large financial impact. Members are convinced that hydro development is a complex issue and wonder why the government is in such a hurry to proceed. A great deal of research and consultation with aboriginal partners are required before any project can go ahead.
Further, as most of the power will be sold to Alberta, the committee encourages Cabinet to proceed with extreme caution; we do not wish to end up in a predicament similar to the one that exists between Quebec and Newfoundland/Labrador.