Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the issue of power generation and cost in the Northwest Territories. Power generation, how it's done, what it costs, and who pays for it. These questions affect every aspect of life across our territory. Every individual, family, home, workplace and business have a stake in the decision about power.
The Northwest Territories Power Corporation is the agency that's charged with this task. Its job as a public agency, owned by NWT residents, is to make sure that all residents and businesses have the power they need at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers.
In communities with a big enough population, power is delivered by Northland Utilities, according to franchise agreements with the municipalities. Northland is able to do that on a successful, for-profit basis. As it should, NTPC activities demand a high level of public scrutiny. So some of the recent events relating to NTPC are puzzling.
Without discussion or consultation in this Assembly, the Minister recently replaced the board of NTPC with deputy ministers, claiming this would reduce costs. Even so, he announced that a planned rate increase would remain in place in addition to millions in fuel subsidies that taxpayers have covered for NTPC in recent years.
Mr. Speaker, if the government is moving toward operating the Power Corporation like a department, taking a further step and dissolving the PUB, Public Utility Board, for example, this should be open for public discussion and debate. In Hay River, NTPC has announced a plan to compete with the private sector. Mr. Speaker, I question what impact this may have on the cost of electricity in other markets served by NTPC.
Northland Utilities has approached the government to consult on ways to reduce power costs, recognizing that high rates are a deterrent to industry and economic growth. Northland even took out ads highlighting some solutions to high power costs. Northland also requested meetings with this government to discuss power cost solutions. But I do not believe this meeting has taken place.
Mr. Speaker, the high cost of power affects everyone in this territory. NWT taxpayers deserve to have an open and transparent management of their power corporation, and to understand how it's working, and that the power they rely on is delivered at the best rates possible. Mr. Speaker, I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.