Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, GNWT... [English translation not provided].

Mr. Speaker, access to affordable power is one of our biggest barriers to economic development and one of the main drivers of our cost of living.

Mr. Speaker, the Town of Hay River recently sought a new franchise agreement with an electrical power provider. This process led to the selection of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Whether NTPC takes over all of the assets of Northland Utilities, the town's current power provider in the region is unknown at this time. We also don't know what impact that may have on the Hay River Reserve, Enterprise, Kakisa, and Fort Providence. Deh Cho communities are concerned about who is going to keep the lights on.

Mr. Speaker, NTPC... [English translation not provided].

Mr. Speaker, the immediate concern of people in my riding is how they will continue to be supplied with electricity and at what cost. The PR campaign by NTPC and Northland Utilities on electricity rates affects consumers. It is adversarial, not constructive, and they don't know who to believe.

Mr. Speaker, small Deh Cho communities like Kakisa have potential to switch to renewable energy sources successfully, but that is only part of the puzzle.

Mr. Speaker, as leaders of the NWT, we have an immediate opportunity to make good decisions about the future of NTPC, the future of power provision in our territory, and how we communicate that to the public. For decades, we have needed energy solutions for our small, remote communities that fit into the specific long-term goals and future energy planning for the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, right now, Deh Cho communities need to be enlightened and want answers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.