Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the seconder of the motion, I would like to make my comments in favour of this motion. As we are all aware, the cost of energy is becoming increasingly high in the North, the highest in Canada, I hear. There are very few alternatives for energy in the North. It is causing hardship to many of the residents in the Deh Cho, especially to the elders and the people who were on fixed income. Last week, I made my Member's statement on the situation with the elders and the threshold that is set at $31,000, which is no longer adequate.

I have been approached by many of the seniors who want to resort back to wood. However, that is not a solution to the problem. Many of them are not mobile enough to go out and cut firewood anymore. They still do not have the dollars to buy the firewood, as it has become quite costly. The Minister has indicated that there is no threshold review in sight.

It has also become a very big problem in the smaller communities on the businesses, not so much the ones who are established, but the ones who are young, who are trying to set up. It has become a very big hurtle. Since we have such small populations, it is increasingly difficult to set up a new company. The businesses that require the use of a lot of energy are also facing great difficulties.

This government has committed to an energy strategy, I understand to reduce the dependence on fuels. I think there is a very aggressive campaign for hydro. However, we need something new. We need something now. We need something to offset the high costs. We cannot wait. We need to get this government to act now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.