Bob Bromley

Ms. Woodward.

Other questions? Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Again, we're running out of time for the day. Does the committee wish to rise and report progress?

Mr. Speaker, I'll take that as a no, in effect.

The Minister has not ensured that there are emergency plans. Every community in the Northwest Territories faces this potential. I'm talking about the declining ability of global production to meet global demand, and of course, we're totally dependent on demand. As per my Member's statement there's solid evidence that that concern is increasing.

I'm looking for a commitment from the Minister. Will the Minister commit to do more than just discussing it and actually put in place emergency plans if communities are faced with a complete lack of fuel...

A reasonable question, Ms. Bisaro. Mr. McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. General comments? I’m hearing no further general comments. Does committee agree that we proceed to the detail of the estimates?

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Would the Minister like to respond?

Mr. Speaker, I’m concerned about more and more instances of news reports about the supply of oil, which we all know is also getting more and more expensive.

Mr. Speaker, the International Energy Agency is the energy forum for 27 industrialized countries, including Canada. They share energy information, coordinate their energy policies and cooperate in the development of rational energy programs. One of the objectives of the organization is to maintain and improve systems for coping with supply disruptions.

On Thursday, May 22 — the very day that our Minister of Finance was presenting the budget...

Thank you, Minister McLeod. I’m not going to decide for anybody what’s sufficient here. But I’d say, and I repeat, it’s probably more appropriate in question period.

Thank you. Are there general comments on the departmental estimates by members? Mr. Menicoche.