Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS it is incumbent on the Government of the Northwest Territories to ensure that residents have access to an affordable energy to heat and light their homes;

AND WHEREAS access to energy is considered a basic necessity in the North;

AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories residents must use some form of oil, gas, propane or electricity to heat and light their homes;

AND WHEREAS Northwest Territories residents have some of the highest energy bills in Canada because of longer, colder winters and fewer daylight hours;

AND WHEREAS Northwest Territories residents lack access to alternative, less costly energy sources;

AND WHEREAS residents of the Northwest Territories are reliant on automotive fuels for travel and transport of goods;

AND WHEREAS the cost of heating oil has increased by 30 percent, propane by 96 percent, gasoline by 25 percent in the Northwest Territories;

AND WHEREAS increases in the cost of electricity follows fossil fuel cost increases;

AND WHEREAS the increases in energy costs have caused hardship to many individuals who are not eligible for existing subsidies, including elders and senior citizens and middle income families;

AND WHEREAS these increases in energy costs have also had an adverse impact on many businesses, particularly those who must use some form of energy to produce their product;

AND WHEREAS this government has committed to a long-term strategy to examine alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels;

AND WHEREAS residents of the Northwest Territories need immediate relief from the high energy cost that they will experience this winter;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that the Premier and Cabinet bring forward a comprehensive energy assistance program that will serve to offset the high cost of energy to all northern residents regardless of income;

AND FURTHER, that the benefits from this program be received by Northerners by October 31, 2001.

AND FURTHERMORE, that the Premier and Cabinet bring forward a comprehensive energy strategy for the Northwest Territories that includes the development of alternative energy initiatives such as residual heat recovery programs, and encourages and promotes energy conservation;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the energy strategy include a stabilization fund to benefit northern residents and businesses.