Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Energy Conservation Action Plan we adopted last October has been successful in raising the public's awareness about the importance of conserving energy and has helped individuals, businesses and GNWT departments and agencies put actual energy conservation measures into practice. The action plan enhanced existing conservation programs, introduced new conservation initiatives and identified new technologies to help reduce energy costs. Some of the highlights achieved by the action plan are:

1. Fourteen additional retrofit projects on public buildings were completed through the enhanced Energy Conservation Program offered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. We anticipate annual operating savings of $140,000 due to these retrofits. In total, 37 retrofit projects under the program will be completed this year, with expected annual operating savings of over $300,000.
2. Infrared thermal scanning on 80 government buildings has been completed by the Department of Public Works and Services and we anticipate completing another 400 scans on both government and municipal buildings over the next two years.
3. New design standards have been developed and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Services to maximize energy efficiency for upcoming government construction projects. These design standards will be incorporated into the revised 2006 Good Building Practice for Northern Facilities publication and will be made available to municipal governments and businesses.
4. One hundred fifty residential energy efficiency assessments were completed in Fort Smith. The NWT Power Corporation conducts these assessments to inform residents about electricity and answer questions about how electricity is generated, how much electricity is required to run a household and how to use electricity more efficiently. The corporation will soon be starting assessments in Fort Resolution and Lutselk'e.
5. Funding was increased to the Arctic Energy Alliance to supplement existing incentive programs. For example, homeowners and small businesses may qualify for cash grants if maintenance is completed on their boilers and furnaces. Information as to how to apply for these grants was included with the January 2006 power bills.

At the public meeting held by AOC in November on the rising cost of energy in the NWT, I spoke about the need for NWT residents and businesses to take full advantage of the energy conservation initiatives made available through the action plan and also challenged government departments to step up our conservation efforts. As seen from the highlights identified, NWT residents, businesses and our departments have been successful in rising to this challenge. Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the Energy Conservation Action Plan Update which provides additional information and guidance to help us all reduce our energy consumption.

Mr. Speaker, as we applaud the results achieved by the action plan, we must also recognize our longer-term goal of identifying more stable and reliable energy sources to mitigate rising energy costs and provide all northerners with affordable energy options.

The government will soon be releasing an energy plan discussion paper that will raise the critical policy issues that need to be addressed respecting the development of NWT energy resources and the long-term strategic direction and actions the NWT must take to ensure affordable and sustainable energy solutions for the benefit of all northerners.

Mr. Speaker, despite a drop in oil prices, energy prices remain high. In 2006, we must continue to support conservation and efficiency measures as the most effective means of coping with these high costs. This will require continued commitment by this Legislative Assembly and all northerners to ensure we build on the momentum achieved to date. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.

---Applause