Mr. Speaker, I have spoken out in support of the government’s proactive approach to developing clean energy initiatives. Investment in alternative energy, hydro, wind and biomass are necessary if we are to move away from fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These investments will also support communities in completing their community energy plans which will identify ways to reduce energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas.

Mr. Speaker, the community of Fort Simpson is developing its energy plan and has identified a number of goals to reduce its energy consumption and utility costs. They include working with the local Chamber of Commerce in investigating the potential of alternate energy sources such as geothermal energy, supporting the use of residual heat recovered from the NWT Power Corporation diesel generators, promoting recycling to reduce the volume of materials in the local landfill.

Mr. Speaker, these community initiatives line up closely with the government’s recently announced energy priority. I am optimistic that there will be funding and expertise and resources to work in partnership with the community of Fort Simpson to realize these very important goals. Mahsi cho.