Mahsi again, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, again I'll use my Member's statement to talk about the proposed hydro development expansion project at the existing Taltson hydro facility.
Mr. Speaker, many people, myself included, are fully supportive of this project moving ahead as planned, and just not only because of the economic benefits and the
impact benefits that people will realize in the region but, more importantly, because of the environmental benefits with the large reduction in greenhouse gasses that are currently being spewed into our sensitive northern environment by the mining companies operating in the Akaitcho territory.
Mr. Speaker, the future of economic development in this region only seems to be growing, and the damage to the tundra and to the wildlife will also grow and we can minimize this damage through projects of this nature. But there are grave concerns about the damage that has already been done by the old Taltson dam when it was first constructed in 1963, and these are concerns that are still around today, 24 years later, Mr. Speaker. I cannot see the people of Lutselk'e or Deninu Kue or the Salt River First Nations being fully supportive of any new developments until these old lingering concerns are put to rest and the people can see that the NWT Power Corp is exercising their due diligence and showing more respect for the hunters and trappers by doing more regular community visits on the current operations of this dam.
Mr. Speaker, the operations of this dam are still affecting the people who use the land downriver as a primary source for their livelihood by hunting and trapping, and they're still being flooded out and I have pictures here to prove it, Mr. Speaker. This was given to me from a trapper from Deninu Kue and it shows his doghouses and his cabins. They're all flooded out in the middle of winter and this cannot continue. If the Power Corp and this government wants these people to approve and expand on the existing facility, I want the Minister of the Power Corp to assure the people of the NWT that the NWT Power Corp will fulfill its legal obligations under their water licence to inform all communities and members of any changes in water levels at any time, that they will be consulted when these changes will occur. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause