Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have heard the Premier speak of the development of an energy strategy and the formation of an Energy Secretariat.
Whenever I hear the word strategy, or hear about new branches of the bureaucracy, I have to wonder whether there will be any benefit to the people that I represent in the North Slave.
The people in the communities try and do their part to save energy. They would like to be able to use the power of the sun and the wind to dry their clothes. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this simple action is often contaminated by the diesel fumes and exhaust from generators located in the centre of most communities.
As well as tainting clothes, I have no doubt that these diesel fumes and exhaust also affect the health of elders and youth. We also watch new mines open, and there is little doubt that we need economic activity. However, as we open our Territory to development, I think we can do things to ensure that we do not add to the greenhouse gases already being produced by our dependence on fossil fuels.
Greenhouse gases lead to climate change; climate change affects all areas of life and could mean that the caribou may change their migration patterns. It is a vicious cycle, Mr. Speaker, one that can have serious implications on the lives of the people I represent.
Any energy strategy developed by the government must take into account the needs of people who do not live on the highway system who do not have access to clean, cheap hydro power and who depend on the land to sustain them.
All of the government studies I have seen so far have excluded my region. The studies are short-sighted and they do not show departments working together. Cabinet votes as a block. They should work as a block to establish infrastructure and develop long-range plans to meet the needs of all residents equally and fairly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause