As we have in other cases looked at other jurisdictions, what they have done in the past…. Some jurisdictions have gone to

deregulation, which got rid of their equivalent to the Public Utilities Board.

In our case, being a small jurisdiction, that would bring that decision-making to this table. I think Members will be under huge pressure — from the diversity of the territory and our constituents — in trying to deal with the Power Corporation rates in communities and management of that corporation. All we have to do is look at some of our other delivery mechanisms within the Government of Northwest Territories, and we are challenged in those areas.

I would say that we must be careful if there’s any consideration of, for example, removing any regulatory role in the Northwest Territories, especially when we’re going to look at the North and the future potential growth in the North when it comes to resource development in the Northwest Territories. I would be cautious in that area and say there is still a role for the Public Utilities Board in the Northwest Territories.