Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We all know that in small communities and regions the cost of electricity and fuel is very high. We know that it makes it difficult for working families and individuals to balance their household budget and for local businesses to be competitive.

We also know that the costs differ from one community to another. For instance, the cost of power for Tuktoyaktuk residents is more than twice what it is in Fort Smith. The rates for residents in Nahanni Butte, Jean Marie River and Liidlii Kue are among the highest five in the Northwest Territories.

Small and remote communities cannot sustain the increasing costs of energy and fuels. In order to save money, we need to reduce our dependence on expensive diesel-generated power.

I have spoken in the Legislative Assembly in support of the government’s proactive approach to developing green energy initiatives. Investments in alternative energy, hydro, wind and biomass will help us move away from fossil fuels and will save us money. Technologies with regard to many hydro projects are improving and bode well as a solution in our regions.

Fort Simpson has identified goals to reduce its energy consumption, including promoting energy awareness, just like Mrs. Groenewegen did a few minutes ago. There are also plans to use residual heat recovered from the NWT Power Corporation’s diesel generators and investigating plans of potential geothermal energy. These are great initiatives.

I also would like to wish all the attendees at this year’s Energy Charrette the best as they discuss and look for ways to help all Northerners with a cheaper and sustainable future. Mahsi cho.