Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in view of my Member's statement this morning regarding the hamlet of Arviat's press release and the apparent lack of financial details on the multi-million dollar Rankin tank farm project, I'm requesting that the honourable Minister consider delaying this project until all parties are in agreement pending a full cost-benefit analysis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Matna.
Kevin O'Brien
Historical Information Kevin O'Brien is no longer a member of the Legislative Assembly.
Last in the Legislative Assembly March 1999, as MLA for Kivallivik
Won his last election, in 1995, with 54% of the vote.
Statements in the House
Question 46-13(2): Request To Delay Rankin Inlet Tank Farm February 15th, 1996
Item 5: Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery February 15th, 1996
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize all those who haven't been recognized.
---Laughter
---Applause
Arviat Press Release Re Rankin Inlet Tank Farm February 15th, 1996
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
...marine and navigational improvements for the Rankin project would cost in excess of another $10 million, making the total cost of the project in excess of $16 million.
"In light of the GNWT's projected $150 million deficit, how can this project still be justified?" asks Kritaqliluk.
Mr. Speaker, I will speak to this further during question period. Thank you.
Arviat Press Release Re Rankin Inlet Tank Farm February 15th, 1996
I am seeking permission to continue my statement, Mr. Speaker.
Arviat Press Release Re Rankin Inlet Tank Farm February 15th, 1996
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the issue I will once again speak to today is with regard to the Rankin Inlet tank farm project. Mr. Speaker, since it appears we are still in a holding pattern for information relating to this project, I feel compelled to read the following press release that was issued last week by the Arviat hamlet council.
It reads as follows:
The Arviat hamlet council once again questions the need for the proposed Rankin Inlet fuel resupply hub.
Arviat (February 6th) - Acting Mayor Peter Kritaqliluk, reacting to the press release from Public Works and Services Minister Goo Arlooktoo announcing the resumption of negotiations for a contract to construct a P.O.L. hub tank farm at Rankin Inlet, wishes to bring the following issues to the attention of the general public.
Does the GNWT, in light of division of the NWT in 1999, have the mandate to negotiate and enter into a contract for 20 to 25 years?
With the councils of Baker Lake, Arviat and Coral Harbour previously on record as being opposed to this project, on what authority does the GNWT feel it can proceed with this project?
"With clearly more than 50 per cent of the representative population of the Keewatin region against this project, why is it that the GNWT is treating this as a priority project and proceeding with negotiations? Is the government refusing to listen to the people?" said Kritaqliluk.
The churchill tank farm, owned by the Government of Canada, as noted in Arlooktoo's press release of February 2, 1996 is, "scheduled to shut down in 1998. The territorial government had the opportunity to purchase this facility, but declined."
"Our initial inquiries indicate that the Churchill facility will close in 1998 because it would no longer have a purpose if the GNWT isn't going to store fuel for the Keewatin there." said Kritaqliluk.
A committee struck by the Arviat hamlet council has discovered that the cost of upgrading the existing Churchill fuel storage facility was estimated at a fraction of the estimated $16 million required to construct a Rankin Inlet facility. The tank farm component of the Rankin Inlet project, by the GNWT's own estimate, would be in excess of $6 million alone. In addition, marine and navigational improvements for the Rankin project would cost in excess...
Minister's Statement 1-13(2): Sessional Statement February 14th, 1996
Thank you, Madam Chair. In general, I agreed with the overall comments that were made by the Premier, with two exceptions. Regarding the time frame to deal with the deficit, I, for one, would like to see the Premier and this government add another year to the equations for us trying to deal with the problem. I would say it would be only fair that we would look at between two and three years.
The second point I would like to make is regarding the Premier's comments on the proposed establishment of an economic advisory committee. My question to the Premier on this is, is he going to allow the ordinary MLAs to have some input into the selection process. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Revert To Item 6: Oral Questions February 14th, 1996
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, I bring this issue up. Actually, I can't ask the question at this time without being removed from the House.
---Laughter
I will have to wait, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
Written Question 1-13(2): GNWT Staff Training February 14th, 1996
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is it possible to go back to oral questions?
Question 24-13(2): Environmental Study Re Rankin Inlet Tank Farm February 14th, 1996
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm going to make an assumption that the Minister is stating that an environmental study, a review, has been initiated. I'm asking the Minister at this point in time, if he's willing to table at least the terms of reference for the environmental impact study regarding this particular project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 24-13(2): Environmental Study Re Rankin Inlet Tank Farm February 14th, 1996
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I direct my question to the Minister of Public Works. I will try to come at this question from a different angle this time. Can the Minister tell me whether or not an environmental study has been commissioned or started for the Rankin Inlet tank farm project?