Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the rising cost of fuel and gas prices throughout the NWT, Canada, and internationally, we must consider alternate forms of transportation.
Mr. Speaker, Arctic Energy Alliance provides rebates for electric vehicles and charging devices. As an added benefit, these rebates can be piggy-backed with federal rebate programs as well. The reason for these programs is to reduce greenhouse gases through the use of zero emission vehicles. We are off to a good start. However, we can advance this by taking a page from our friends in the Yukon who have implemented rebates for electric bikes and electric snowmobiles.
Mr. Speaker, e-bikes are an excellent choice for commuting, exercise, and reducing the carbon footprint. The electric bike does not require one to have a driver's license while saving on fuel and insurance costs. What would excite my colleague from Frame Lake is that the electric bikes and snowmobiles benefit the environment as the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is not an issue.
What excites me about the e-bike is the exercise it can provide. Although the e-bike comes with an electric motor for those steep hills, it does have pedals and if those pedals are actually used, it will benefit one's heart, lungs, muscles, and sense of well-being.
Mr. Speaker, we all know one cannot live in the Northwest Territories without owning a snowmobile. Or better yet, having a friend you can borrow one from at no cost. There are now electric snowmobiles available in Canada that have a range, on a single charge, of approximately 100 kilometers. In addition to being fully electric and not requiring fuel, the machines are quiet, have comparable performance with machines we are familiar with, and require minimal maintenance.
Mr. Speaker, one drawback in all of this is the lack of EV charging stations in the NWT however I understand there are plans to install more this year. Nevertheless, it is important we look to alternate EV modes of transportation beyond trucks and cars - electric bikes, electric cargo bicycles, and electric snowmobiles would be a good start. Each must be part of the list of equipment eligible for rebates in the NWT.
Currently, the Yukon government provides a rebate for electric bikes and electric cargo bikes of 25 percent up to a maximum of $750 and $2500 for electric snowmobiles. Let's not be left behind.
I will have questions for the Minister responsible for Infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.