Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Energy Initiatives
Committee members support the proposed energy initiatives to further develop renewable energy potential in the Northwest Territories. Members noted that the proposed review of electricity rates, regulations and subsidy programs is an important first step in the provision of reliable and affordable energy sources to residents of the NWT. Members look forward to providing additional input into the review as it moves forward.
The committee recognizes the potential for hydro development in the NWT to provide more affordable and efficient energy sources. Members support the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project but stress the need to continue to invest in the development and implementation of many hydro projects and other approaches to renewable energy.
Energy Coordination
Members had a number of comments and questions related to the approach to energy policy and planning within the GNWT. Currently ITI has the responsibility for overall energy management and planning within the government. ENR’s responsibilities are primarily related to climate change, adaptation and mitigation and the development of alternative energy sources. Members questioned why some renewable energy developments, such as hydro, are the responsibility of ITI while other approaches, such as wind energy development, fall under ENR.
Members also noted that separating responsibilities for the implementation of the Energy Plan and the Greenhouse Gas Strategy between the two departments might not be an effective approach to achieving the intended outcomes of either strategy. The committee believes it would be useful to review the role of the two departments in the development of renewable energy policy and planning in order to ensure greater efficiencies and effectiveness.
Support for the Traditional Economy
The traditional economy — agriculture, fishing, trapping and commercial game harvesting — is an important but increasingly undervalued sector of the NWT economy. The NWT is rich with an abundance of renewable resources that could be developed into small-scale businesses that can diversify local economies, promote greater self-reliance and preserve traditional land-based activities. Committee members are very concerned with the lack of support for this important sector. The committee recommends that the department develop a comprehensive framework that identifies strategies to enhance the traditional economy, particularly agriculture, market gardening and other forms of local food production.
Reduction to the Commercial Fishery
Committee members were disappointed with the reduction of funding to the commercial fishery. Members recognize that there are serious challenges within the commercial fishing industry. However, a large part of the problem is the low price for fish set by the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation. The set price does not keep pace with increased operating costs experienced by NWT fishers. The proposed cuts further diminish the viability of this industry. Members felt that more could be done to establish and implement a meaningful recovery plan. Such a plan could include assisting NWT fishers to find alternate markets, providing assistance in marketing their product and establishing appropriate manufacturing facilities.
Mr. Chairman, I’d like to now turn it over to my colleague Mrs. Groenewegen.