Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a number of initiatives we can undertake and are planning to undertake in the area of energy — the cost of energy and fuel costs in the Northwest Territories. We have some existing programs in place; for example, the Territorial Power Support Program. The Member is accurate when he talks about the increased costs. We have to keep growing that fund through our forced-growth initiatives. The price of oil going up as it is, as fast as it is, continues to have an impact on us. As we’re all aware, the Power Corporation has just got its last rate application approved. That hits on the pocketbooks of individuals.
So we’re going to have to make some changes in the way we do business. Some of it is long term, but, as well, we’ve established the Energy Coordinating Committee within Cabinet to look at a number of initiatives. One that you heard me talk about earlier is alternative energy sources, further development of our hydro potential. We’d be all blessed if we could have the hydro potential a number of communities in the southern part of our territory enjoy. We need to look at how we can
expand that going north. In between that time is when we can get that underway.
We’d have to look at our existing frameworks. For example, right now we try to match the cost of power for the 700 kilowatt hours in Yellowknife for those that are higher priced than Yellowknife — dealing with that scenario. As well, we’re going to have to look at other forums. I believe as we get through the process, as we’re getting into in the budget, biomass options are another thing we have to look at as a government.