Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the October sitting of this Legislature, one of the issues in the spotlight was the issue of energy rates. The government had been considering changing the rate structure from a community-based rate to a flat rate, but because of the lack of clear communication, direction and discussion, this initiative was dropped and the community-based rate was readopted.
A community-based rate for power systems means that each community pays for its own power use. On the surface, this might seem fair. In reality, it isn't. The service and delivery costs in the smaller communities are higher than in the regional centres, as there is a small population base to draw from in order to cover the costs. Mr. Speaker, the case for a one-rate system for power use is the same as the case my colleagues are making for health care.
Yesterday in the House, some of my colleagues pointed out that there is a three-tiered health care system in the North because of the benefits the status people get. They stated that this was unfair. I feel the same way about community-based power rates. When I turn on the light switch in my home in Rae, why should I pay more than my colleagues in Yellowknife, Hay River or Fort Smith? I am not getting enhanced services. The light beams do not come out as a rainbow. We are all receiving the same service and, in fairness, we should all be paying the same rate.
In this Legislature, we are confronted continually with inequities that exist whether it be equal pay for work of equal value, the levels of basic health care service or the rates Northerners pay for their power. As elected officials who are going to work for all Northerners, one of the things we have done for this Assembly is pass a Human Rights Act which recognizes the equality of all Northerners.
I think we need to continue with our work by ensuring that the equality of Northerners extends to ensuring that we pay the same power rate regardless of where we live in the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause