Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure met during the months of May and June to review Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Public Utilities Act. The committee held public hearings in Yellowknife, Deline, Norman Wells, Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Jean Marie River, and Fort Simpson. Power rates are a serious concern for people across the Northwest Territories. Those who spoke to the bill at public hearings were supportive of the amendments and the ongoing discussion of energy provision in the Northwest Territories.

Following the clause-by-clause review on August 16, 2011, a motion was carried to report Bill 18 to the Assembly as ready for Committee of the Whole. This concludes the committee’s general comments on Bill 18. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.