Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Utility Costs at Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
It was noted by the committee that the department expects to save $14,000 in utility costs in 2008–2009 because of renovations and upgrades to the technical and lighting systems at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. The department is to be commended for this. This is an example of how the retrofit or replacement of existing infrastructure using available energy-saving technology can result in savings for the GNWT.
If we were to extrapolate this type of savings to all of the major infrastructure projects for similar-sized buildings, like schools and hospitals, the amount could be quite significant. It is important that all capital projects consider energy saving and sustainability as guiding principles in their design and construction.
Student Financial Assistance Program Reductions
The department will be reducing the Student Financial Assistance loan allowance by $1.5 million. Members were concerned that this would have a negative impact on the amount of funding that students could access. In discussions with the Minister and his officials it became apparent that this was related to uptake and that the department has sufficient funding to meet the requirements of students in 2008–2009 and for the foreseeable future. With the understanding that no students will be adversely affected by this proposed reduction, the committee is prepared to support the department.
Renewable Energy Technician Program
With accelerating impacts of climate change and fossil fuel costs, this government has recognized the need to increase our use of renewable energy such as solar, biomass, wind and hydro. This need is emphasized in our Energy Plan and Greenhouse Gas Strategy. There are increasing opportunities for community applications as off-the-shelf technology becomes available, yet the technical expertise is missing. This gap needs to be addressed. Doing so will contribute to achieving this government’s education goals, its economic goals through the development of local economy and economic diversification, and finally, in achieving its environmental goals through greenhouse gas reduction.
Adaptation to Climate Change and Community Self-sufficiency
There are a few such programs available nationally that could be drawn upon or even partnered with in the initial stages. Youth today are interested in this area of expertise but frustrated with the lack of practical programming available. In addition, existing trades programs, like the building maintainer, electrician, plumber and gasfitting courses that are offered through Aurora College, need to incorporate this new energy-saving technology into their curriculum. The committee looks forward to discussing and incorporating renewable energy technology programming into the 2009–2012 business planning process.
Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to return the reading of the document to Mr. McLeod.