Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there should be a second part to the energy program that assists residents in reducing their energy consumption. Many low-income earners live in housing that is not energy-efficient. Being low-income earners, they do not have the disposable money to make improvements to their homes to reduce energy costs. They do not have the money to buy energy-efficient appliances. They do not have the money to improve insulation to reduce heat loss. They do not have the money to change from one type of heat to another, should that type of heating be more cost-effective.
Mr. Speaker, we desperately need a program that assists our residents in reducing their energy consumption and costs.
In summary, Mr. Speaker, we need an energy assistance program that is twofold in nature. We need to give a rebate to the residents. A rebate will lessen the impacts of cost of energy in the Northwest Territories. We also need to assist residents in reducing their energy consumption. We need to do this soon, Mr. Speaker, our people are hurting. Mahsi cho.
-- Applause