Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, we have significant renewable and non-renewable energy resources, including an extensive potential in natural gas and hydroelectricity right in our backyard.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, through its newly created energy unit and working with other departments and agencies, is now leading the development of a GNWT energy plan to develop and secure access to its own future and alternate energy sources. Developing these resources will serve not only to reduce energy costs in our communities, but also to generate new economic growth for our territory as a whole.

In the coming months, I will be collaborating with the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources to present a discussion paper revisiting our energy future. It will set the stage for a full and complete consultation on a broad scope of energy issues, beginning with the fundamental elements of supply, demand and regulation.

Together we will consider domestic and export markets for the development and use of our non-renewable,

renewable and alternative energy sources, like powering more of our communities and industries such as the diamond mines with hydroelectricity and identifying options for natural gas conversion in communities. It will mark, I hope, the emergence of the Northwest Territories as a supplier of secure, affordable and sustainable energy, first and foremost for itself, Mr. Speaker, and then for all Canadians and the North American marketplace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause