Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the past I've been hard on the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, and frankly, I feel I've had good reason for that. Continuing rate increases up to 40 per cent over seven years, changes to the Power Corporation's management structure that hardly suggest transparency, there's no mention about the Power Corporation's role in the new Energy Strategy, and, of course, the infamous generator debacle.

Look, we all recognize that the Power Corporation has a tough job; stagnant demand, rising costs and inflation, lower water levels, and aging infrastructure are real problems, and there's constant pressure to lower the cost of living by getting off diesel and to protect our environment through newer, cleaning technologies. These are real challenges that are not easy to overcome, but overcome them we must, Mr. Speaker. That's the demand of residents today and the legacy we must leave for future generations.

Having now received three generators from California and made other arrangements for the rest, the mystery of the missing generators is behind us, but there is still uncertainty, Mr. Speaker. Questions remain, and residents deserve answers. What is the government's long-term vision for the Power Corporation?

Halfway through the 18th Assembly, Mr. Speaker, in spite of our commitment to transparency and openness, we still have more questions than answers. Does the government intend the Power Corporation to remain an arm's length Crown corporation? That's what we've always been told, but by the Minister's own admission when questioned about dissolving the previous board, he said, and I paraphrase here, due to more government subsidies, the Power Corporation is becoming closer to becoming just another government department.

If it is a government department, its role should not be to compete against the private sector. In which case, how can it justify competing against private enterprise in Hay River? How can it justify offering lower prices in one community while residents of the capital, almost half the population of the NWT, pay a higher rate that is continually going up? Mr. Speaker, the public needs to know the plan and vision for power generation and distribution in the NWT. They need know when rates are going to stabilize. They need to know how we're going to transition to cleaner energy. Mr. Speaker, they need a government that will level with them.

At the appropriate time, I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.