Mr. Speaker, for the past several years we have been measuring the strength and steadiness of the winds in Beaufort-Delta communities. This was done in collaboration with the Aurora Research Institute and the Government of Canada.
The data collected to date shows the feasibility of this technology. We must now work with communities to determine how best to proceed towards establishing wind generation in remote High Arctic communities. This topic, along with others, is being discussed in detail at the Wind Energy Conference in Tuktoyaktuk this week.
More than 100 delegates are attending the conference. About half the delegates are representing Beaufort-Delta communities, which are home to the most promising wind resources.
Delegates from Alaska and Atlantic Canada are sharing their experiences and successes integrating wind energy into diesel electric systems in several small communities.
Mr. Speaker, this remote wind conference provides a great opportunity to develop long-term strategies, synergies and partnerships. It is bringing together community and business leaders, government officials, and technical experts on wind-diesel systems.
The conference will assist in educating community decision-makers on wind energy opportunities and options, and in building a strong knowledge base about the potential of wind-diesel systems. It will assist in establishing Tuktoyaktuk as a hub to initiate the development of remote wind power and to gain the expertise and practical knowledge required to do this. Other Beaufort-Delta communities can benefit from the knowledge developed in Tuktoyaktuk as they move ahead with their own plan to incorporate wind power.
This conference has captured a lot of attention and media interest. A report will be developed on the results of the conference, which I will share with Members at our next session in February 2008.
Mr. Speaker, given the increasing price of conventional fuels and concerns about climate change, we need to be innovative and find new ways to use renewable resources. We are committed to this process, and this conference will help to move us in that direction.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank those who have contributed to making this conference a reality. While the list of participants and sponsors for this event is long, I would like, in particular, to thank the Territorial Wind Energy Committee as well as the hamlet, administration, and the entire community of Tuktoyaktuk. Thank you.
---Applause