R.J. Simpson

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Crucial Fact

  • His favourite word is know.

MLA for Hay River North

Won his last election, in 2023, with 66% of the vote.

Statements in the House

Question 95-18(2): Taltson Hydroelectric Southern Expansion February 29th, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Member's statement from earlier today, I address these questions to the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation. It's been three years since the NT Energy Power System Plan and the NWT Energy Action Plan called for a pre-feasibility study of the Taltson Southern Expansion, and my questions are related to that. I'd like to know where we are on that. That was three years ago, we should be three years in. I would like to ask: Does the government know what the costs are to upgrade the hydro facility to make a southern expansion economically feasible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 90-18(2): Fiscal Benefits From Highway Construction February 29th, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to make sure got four questions in.

---Laughter

Finally, I'd just like to ask the Minister: how does the department intend to pay for all of these highways? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 90-18(2): Fiscal Benefits From Highway Construction February 29th, 2016

Are there any of the benefits that the Minister would like to elaborate on?

---Laughter

Question 90-18(2): Fiscal Benefits From Highway Construction February 29th, 2016

The other part of this equation that we always hear is that it's going to benefit industry and bring industry to the Northwest Territories. What other benefits to the industry can we expect to see from these roads?

Question 90-18(2): Fiscal Benefits From Highway Construction February 29th, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier our Minister of Transportation made a statement about three of the major corridors that this government often speaks of. The government talks about investing in these highways, but what that really means is the people of the Northwest Territories investing in the highways. We are asking the residents of the NWT to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on these highways. I’d like to know what are the direct fiscal benefits that our residents are going to see from these investments? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Expansion Of The Taltson Hydroelectric Project February 29th, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier, the Minister of Transportation made a statement about some of the major infrastructure projects that we hope will go forward and help facilitate long-term revenue generation. As a government, we need to support visionary projects like these that will secure a strong and prosperous future. One such project that hasn't received enough attention and has amazing potential for the NWT is the expansion and southern connection of the Taltson hydro dam. Currently, the dam can produce up to 18 megawatts of which we use about 10. If upgraded, it could produce 190 megawatts. Taltson is only 200 kilometres from Uranium City, Saskatchewan. That means right now we're only 200 kilometres away from being connected into the continental grid. We'll essentially be able to sell as much electricity as we can produce, providing a revenue stream for generations to come. We need buy-in from Saskatchewan because the infrastructure from Uranium City to the south needs to be upgraded to accommodate the excess load, but the province has committed to doubling the amount of renewable energy it uses by 2013 and we're right at their doorstep.

While the project is costly, the federal Liberals have committed money for renewable energy projects, and just like the proposed highway projects, we may be eligible for up to a 75 per cent contribution. In 2013, the NWT Power System Plan recommended a 20-year plan for the southern expansion of Taltson, finding it would have positive impacts and create jobs. The NWT's 2013 Energy Action Plan states that a large-scale project like this presents the best opportunity for a fundamental change in energy supply. The federal Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources said, “That the absence of a link for the continental grid leads to costly and inefficient outcomes.” A key result of the 2014 NWT Energy Charette was a call to find ways to make use of the excess energy potential in the Taltson system. Over and over again, we say this is a good idea. Resource extraction is vital to our future, but we can't limit our investments to just highways. We have a resource with amazing potential and an eager market at our doorstep. It's time we think big and make investments in our renewable future. At the appropriate time, I'll have questions for the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Report of Committee of the Whole February 29th, 2016

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act. I would like to report that Bill 1 is ready for a third reading. I move that the report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Thank yo

Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters February 28th, 2016

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Mr. Beaulieu.

Question 72-18(2): Supporting Small Businesses With GNWT Contracting Policies February 28th, 2016

Lots of good news out of the Minister of Finance today.

---Laughter

That last response answered my next question, so I just want to thank the Minister and let him know that I will be following up with this on the floor of the House and privately.

Question 72-18(2): Supporting Small Businesses With GNWT Contracting Policies February 28th, 2016

That is very good news. I appreciate that. When awarding contracts for large multi-million-dollar capital projects, do factors such as the ability for local businesses to participate in the contract, the potential for capacity building, the cost savings associated with having locals employed and so on, ever factor into the decision? Or are contracts awarded without consideration of these potential benefits?