Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue I would like to raise today is the government's transparency or lack thereof to the people of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, Members of this Assembly were elected almost three years ago to work for the better good of the people we represent. I have made every attempt to be very transparent in my dealings with my constituents in all aspects of government.

Recent decisions around the Power Corporation and a one-rate zone make it very difficult for me to promote openness and transparency in this government. I was very shocked, Mr. Speaker, to hear of the government's decision to inform the Power Corporation to withdraw the one-rate zone. I was more alarmed, Mr. Speaker, to learn that Cabinet's decision to fire the entire board of directors of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, to say nothing as to how I was informed of these decisions, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this raises all sorts of alarm bells to me. It has always been my understanding that boards of any agency are appointed by the government of the day, but that they do enjoy some autonomy and some resemblance of arms-length relationship from government. I have to believe that the board members take the time to educate themselves of their mandate and believe that they have the right to operate within that mandate.

Mr. Speaker, the recent firing of the board of directors at the Northwest Territories Power Corporation does nothing to instill confidence in this government for the people of the Northwest Territories. This sets a dangerous precedent, Mr. Speaker, whereby board members from around the North feel that if they come out against any government policy or direction, that they will be fired. It is kind of like a big-brother-is-watching scenario.

Let me be very clear, Mr. Speaker, that I was dead-set against the one-rate zone proposed by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. I cannot say that I ever want to see this resurrected again, Mr. Speaker, nor do the constituents of Hay River North, whom I represent. I did apply to the Public Utilities Board to be an intervenor, to speak against the Power Corporation's one-rate zone. I did this with the understanding that a process was in place and that there was a mechanism in place to protect the public.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard clearly from my constituents that a one-rate zone should not be the answer of the Power Corporation's deficit.