Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. While I can admit there is a real need for increase in support for renewable energy in our great, vast Northwest Territories, just the way the motion is written there I cannot be in support of full reinstatement of $15 million annually, given we’re deliberating the budget and we know the reality of this coming fiscal year and the future. Especially when I have real capital needs for my people in my small and remote communities.

I spoke often right from the get-go of my two favourite words: Highway No. 7 – zero capital dollars there; I need schools in Trout Lake and Nahanni Butte; housing initiatives have to be addressed. I do know that every time we put an initiative like this and ask for $15 million annually, it takes away from the consideration of capital needs in my small and remote communities because we have to compete for those same dollars.

In that sense I cannot support this motion. I do know that we did spend $60 million and I do acknowledge that my riding and communities did benefit from the initiatives in exploring solar in-stream electricity, geothermal exploration and, indeed, biomass initiatives. I still think that with the $5 million we have available we can achieve this within our budget. I try not to build up our Cabinet too much, but there is a willingness, I believe, that they can work with our committee to discuss the needs identified in Mr. Bromley’s motion. I think there is a willingness and I look forward to deliberating with Cabinet as we work towards solutions of indeed increasing support for our renewable energy resources.