Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the

Ministers’ Energy Coordinating Committee I would like to provide Members of this Assembly with an update on a number of the programs and initiatives that have been identified to address the energy challenges that we face in our territory.

Our efforts in this regard continue to be guided by the Energy Plan and Greenhouse Gas Strategy released in 2007, which introduced a wide range of tools and incentives to address the rising costs of energy and the growing impact of our energy use on the environment. To this end, our work has included the following key initiatives: investment and development in wind energy, highlighted this past year by the very successful Tuk Wind Conference, the creation and introduction of the

Alternative Energy Technologies and the Energy Efficiency Incentive programs, an increasing number of home energy audits and retrofits, and continued investment in the Taltson hydroelectric expansion that will enable our diamond mines to replace their use of diesel and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Energy Alliance plays a key role in our ongoing efforts to deliver energy programs and promote energy awareness and information. I am pleased to say that our increased support over the past year has allowed the alliance to enhance their presence and programming in our communities. As a result, NWT residents in communities are playing an ever-increasing role in the management of their energy use and participating in global efforts to address climate change.

Energy conservation and efficiency are immediate and effective responses to our energy challenges. In the long term, however, we must also identify renewable and alternative energy solutions to reduce our fundamental dependency on diesel for heating and electricity generation in our communities.

A key initiative in the coming year will be the development of the NWT Hydro Strategy to ensure a lasting legacy of clean, affordable power for future generations. We will also build on the success we have seen in the use of wood pellets by examining the potential use of biomass for both heating and electricity generation.

In the coming year we will be working with Members of this Assembly and NWT residents to advance the Review of Electricity Rates, Regulation and Subsidy Programs. This review will include an examination of the capital costs that contribute to higher power rates in our communities. We will also consider changes that might be made with the NWT Power Corporation as a result of the electricity review.

The energy initiatives being advanced by the Ministers’ Energy Coordinating Committee directly support the overall efforts of the Reducing Cost of Living Strategic Initiative Committee, and I will continue to work closely with the Hon. Sandy Lee,

the chair of that initiative committee, as we advance efforts to manage the cost of living in the Northwest Territories. I would ask all Members of this Legislature to support the actions and investments towards a sustainable energy future for all residents of the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.