Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first say that we applaud Members for taking this initiative to bring forward a motion that speaks to an issue that we've been grappling with for some time here. As Members know, we are preparing to table an energy plan, a comprehensive energy plan, that will have a number of different initiatives within, but one of those certainly will be energy efficiency financing/assistance of some nature. We are going to sit down further with committee and talk about how that can best be achieved.
Let me say, though, that we are certainly listening on this side of the House and we agree with Members that the administrative burden in such a program must be kept to a minimum. The end goal here has to be to get money to people to help them make these choices that cost additional money upfront, but pay themselves back over time. We think government has a role to play.
So whether or not it will be a forgivable loan program, interest-free loan program, I am thinking we are leaning more towards having some grants available to homeowners. Also for vehicles, potentially. Mr. Speaker, I think that we want to ensure and take the Member's point, that these shouldn't be means tested, but I would also urge Members to keep in mind that there is a lot of federal programming. It's good timing. There's a lot of energy programming to be rolled out; eco efficiency funds. We don't have a handle on the detail of those programs yet, but it is our hope that we can marry some of our initiative and programs with those federal ones so that our money and the money of our residents will lever additional federal investment. We think that's important here.
So we've heard what Members have said and let me assure you that we agree this can't be administratively burdensome, it has to get money into people's pockets to help them make those choices whether they are replacing their appliances, putting in a wood pellet stove, a wood stove or in fact making a decision to buy a hybrid or a Smart car.
Mr. Speaker, let me also say that in line with our custom and since this motion is directing Cabinet to take action, Cabinet will abstain from the vote on this motion. I want to again say that we appreciate the work that ordinary Members have done in putting this motion together and we do look forward to working with them in the coming weeks so that we can collectively table an energy plan that has some real action and provides benefits to our residents who need to save money on their heating bills. We also want to work to instil a conservation ethic, because we do have to do something to get a handle on our greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause