This is page numbers 5143 – 5178 of the Hansard for the 17th Assembly, 5th Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was energy.

Topics

Wendy Bisaro

Wendy Bisaro Frame Lake

So, from the Northern Journal, “The NWT government’s approach to power generation is muddled.” And further, “A disturbing trend of costly ineffectiveness, despite an endless series of consultation and reviews,” and further, “The NWT government has demonstrated it cannot manage the situation. It must stop wasting time and money with reviews, reports, consultants and experimenting with things it has no expertise in. It should create an environment through incentives that unleash the ingenuity of individuals and entrepreneurs. Do that and the problems will be solved within a decade.”

Mr. Speaker, I couldn’t have said it better. I only hope the charrette participants and the government are listening. Thank you.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli.

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The natural wood grows abundantly in this land mass of an area of about 519,000 square miles. We have lots of trees. Wood is removable and it is sometimes simply a matter of an axe or saw to bring a pile of wood into your home to keep you warm. Advances in technology have made many of the tasks of chopping or sawing an afterthought. Now we have chainsaws for industrial skill type methods for collecting firewood.

Wood is used in woodstoves, for heating systems, for boilers systems and for the production of wood pellets, to name a few. In the NWT, campfires burn for ages with wood and woodstoves are common. Nowadays most NWT homes have indoor woodstoves. Having a woodstove promotes independence and active living, getting your own firewood with your family with your snow machine in the wintertime.

Mr. Speaker, this is part of a greater initiative that this government has undertaken. Biomass is a source of energy. Recently in Fort Providence, it was a proud moment when the community entered into a forest management agreement with the GNWT and a business person to explore the idea of establishing a wood pellet plant. That day brought that reality closer, and at some point other communities will jump on that too.

So the northern wood has served the North really well and I’m hoping that now and into the future it will continue. Mahsi.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.

Renewable Energy Solutions
Members’ Statements

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Truly the sky is falling on this particular issue if we do not make a positive change. Everyone knows renewables are the future. Those people who continue to deny this fact, deny the future that they hold for their children.

We all know we must get behind renewables and continue to make strides in that particular area. It’s well known that Canada does not meet its targets on climate change initiatives and greenhouse gas problems, but yet it’s leading the future into an unknown peril that we may never be able to get off of the track that’s driving us to the end.

In contrast, the GNWT is certainly making great strides in this particular initiative, and we certainly have to appreciate that. But we all understand the impacts big oil brings to our world. What is this issue that continues to blind us? It may be easy to reach for the oil and it may be a struggle to reach for the renewables, but we must ask ourselves: do we want a tomorrow or do we want to see things end in a negative way?

Mr. Speaker, those who tell you our economy is important I would not disagree with them, but our economy deserves a future and that’s got to be the undertow of every consideration. Canada continues to fail its federal GHGs, as it’s been reported, and even the federal deputy ministers say this as well.

Our Prime Minister promised in 2007 that he would deliver oil and gas regulations that would make sense, and yet Canada still waits. While the new Premier of Alberta, Mr. Prentice, says that he has a climate change strategy and he will be developing it in the near future, I worry about us Northerners who sit downstream as to what we will be promised because we will be the ones benefiting from their short-sightedness. Mr. Prentice goes on by saying, “We must be responsible stewards, but we can’t damage industry’s competitiveness.” I don’t want them to damage my future. Northern Gateway has been refused, for all intents and purposes, and now they look to the Northwest Territories as the solution to their problem. Let’s be honest. We all know pipelines bring lots of jobs in the construction but there are not jobs in the future.

We know that a pipeline through the Northwest Territories may only create 10, maybe 15 jobs. That’s not the future. Renewables are our future. We are not powerless and we should be asking ourselves to face that problem. The economy matters, but so does our future and you’re hearing it today. We must get off of this addiction of oil. We must get an intervention if necessary, but we must take the first step to a future which includes renewables as the first choice, not as the last choice. Thank you.

Renewable Energy Solutions
Members’ Statements

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.

Frederick Blake Jr.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you can tell, we have a theme day here on energy. I’d just like to speak to my riding.

Fort McPherson has been one of the leaders in our region in biomass as the band office is connected to one system. Also, as we move forward, the community will soon have a new elders facility which will have a solar panel system set up. Also, many of my constituents have woodstoves installed in their home. This not only cuts the cost of fuel used but during the winter months a woodstove can be a lifesaver when the power goes out.

As we move forward, we need to look at ways to make the most of our renewable resources; for example, turbine energy, as many of our communities live along a river, also wind turbines. Many of our communities have a lot of wind, for example. Up in your region, you know quite well, wind up to 100 kilometres per hour. That alone, Mr. Speaker, probably powers our whole Beaufort-Delta region. Those are things that we need to look at moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Blake. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Miltenberger.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Michael Miltenberger

Michael Miltenberger Thebacha

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the honour of recognizing a gentleman who is known to just about all of us: Dr. David Suzuki.

From the Suzuki Foundation we have, as well, travelling with him Miles Richardson, Michiah Prull, Alvin Singh, Deneze Nakehk’o, and Steve Ellis was there from Tides Canada as well. I also don’t want to miss the rare opportunity to recognize my friend and colleague of many terms together – four, I believe, 16 years in the trenches in this House – former Premier Floyd Roland.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Mr. McLeod.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert C. McLeod

Robert C. McLeod Inuvik Twin Lakes

Mr. Speaker, being one of the Members from the Beau-Del, we’re very fortunate that we get to rely on the advice and experience of a lot of good leaders up there, and one of those is Mr. Floyd Roland, who was very instrumental with his advice and experience when I first started this. It’s been almost 10 years already; it’s 10 years this month. So I thank him for that and welcome him to the gallery once more. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Abernethy.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Glen Abernethy

Glen Abernethy Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are hosting a workshop this week for the potential for increasing support and resources to on-the-land programs. I would like to recognize some the presenters at that workshop who are in the House today. Representing the British Columbia First Nations Fund: Valine Crist, Jessica Housty and Kim Hardy; and representing Australia’s Working Group on Country Program: Steve Roeger, Daryl Lacey, Bruce Rose, Patrick O’Leary. I’d also like to recognize Steve Ellis, Tides Canada’s northern senior associate. Steve has been the key partner in identifying the need for this workshop and for pulling it together. So, thank you to Steve for bringing these experts north, and thanks for all of you for travelling so far to share your experiences with us. Welcome to the Northwest Territories and welcome to the House. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Mr. Hawkins.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Robert Hawkins

Robert Hawkins Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First I’d like to recognize Deneze Nakehk'o. I’ve known him a long time and it’s always great to see him. I certainly know his family very well and have great respect for them.

Mr. Speaker, I want to use the occasion to acknowledge our esteemed guest there, Dr. David Suzuki. In a funny way, many Canadians feel like we know him personally. As a small child growing up in Fort Simpson, I remember being sent to bed. But on Wednesday nights when I didn’t go to bed, I would turn my little black and white TV on and I’d have my little string earpiece so my parents didn’t know I was watching the Nature of Things. It was always great to watch him every Wednesday at 9:00 in Fort Simpson. All we had was CBC. So it’s great to see him, and as I said, it’s almost like all Canadians know him in some form. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Jane Groenewegen

Jane Groenewegen Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take this opportunity, as well, to recognize our former colleague – as Mr. Miltenberger said, many years here in the Legislative Assembly – and it’s very good to see former Premier Floyd Roland. Last night as my daughter and I were waiting for guests – we were going to the Explorer Hotel – Dr. Suzuki walked in the lobby, and my daughter, who’s only 25, said, “That’s David Suzuki,” and I said no, no, that isn’t. Anyway, I had to be proven wrong today. But welcome. It’s very nice to have you here. People recognize you, young and old obviously. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Nadli.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Michael Nadli

Michael Nadli Deh Cho

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m truly proud to recognize two Pages from my home community of Deh Gah School in Fort Providence: Mr. Julien Antoine, who is in Grade 9, and also Leah Baptiste, who is also in Grade 9. Mahsi.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Mr. Bromley.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Bob Bromley

Bob Bromley Weledeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to join my colleagues today in recognizing and welcoming Dr. David Suzuki. I think there’s no question that he’s a great leader and visionary in Canada for the environment and for people’s health. I know he’s on the Blue Dot Tour, pursuing some changes to the Canadian Constitution that actually recognizes the value and the right to clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. So I really appreciate a life of dedication and I’d like to recognize that.

I’d also like to recognize Miles Richardson from Haida Gwaii. He actually was chairing one of the sessions that our EDI committee was attending in Fort Nelson not too long ago, and Steve Ellis, who was a resident of Weledeh – I don’t know whether he still is or not – and Deneze and all those in the House. Mahsi.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. Moses.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

Alfred Moses

Alfred Moses Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d first like to welcome and acknowledge His Worship, the mayor of Inuvik, Mr. Floyd Roland, also former Premier of the Northwest Territories and also former Member for Inuvik Boot Lake. I’d just like to welcome him back to the House.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome and recognize Mr. Deneze Nakehk’o, a long-time friend, grew up together, long-time buddies.

Also, I’d like to welcome and recognize Mr. Miles Richardson from Haida Gwaii and Mr. David Suzuki. Welcome to the House. I hope you enjoy the proceedings, and good luck with your Blue Dot Tour. To all members of the David Suzuki Foundation, welcome and enjoy the proceedings. Thank you.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

The Speaker

The Speaker Jackie Jacobson

Thank you, Mr. Moses. Mr. Ramsay.

Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery

David Ramsay

David Ramsay Kam Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to welcome to the Assembly this afternoon a constituent, Mr. Deneze Nakehk’o. Welcome. Also, former Premier, mayor of Inuvik. Great to see you back in the House, Mr. Roland. Also, to all the other visitors that have come from far and wide to be with us this afternoon, welcome to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.