Bob McLeod

The energy priorities framework that we had established was expressly for that purpose. The alternative energy framework and the $60 million that was identified over three years was to enable us to undertake pilot projects to show or prove that alternative energy worked here in the Northwest Territories. Residual heat has been proven. As we got further into this we would move into establishing ongoing programs so that we could begin to implement it across the Territories because of the fact that there are short payback periods and it would save government money.

We certainly believe that this harvesting of mushrooms is a valuable sector and we will work with the Department of ENR to look at what’s required to develop legislation and how we could make sure that the benefits attribute to the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

So far all our efforts in the Sahtu have been to try to advance the CANOL Trail Park and even to the extent where we’re working with the community of Tulita so that they can get benefit from some of the cleanup, remedial work that the federal government is doing.

As far as other parks in the communities such as Fort Good Hope, I think we would be prepared to look at it and if there were any obvious possibilities, we would put it into our planning process. Thank you.

. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Residual heat projects are a very important component of our alternative energy framework. I’d just like to point out that in 2009 we allocated $1.3 million for the Fort Liard Residual Heat Project and in 2010-2011 $800,000 will be used to complete the Fort Liard project and $1 million is allocated for the Inuvik project. The Fort McPherson Residual Heat Project is a success story today. As the Member indicated, the system is a 50-50 joint venture. Right now investigations on upgrading the school service and moving to 100 percent is in the works. We’re also looking...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Whoever in statistics the Member is referring to, we would never say that those sectors were too unimportant to be counted because we feel that agriculture is an important part of our economy. Certainly in the past we introduced the harvesting of morel mushrooms into the Northwest Territories, so we will continue to work with my colleague to see that sector developed.

As the Premier said, it will all hinge on completion of the environmental assessment process, the negotiation of power purchase agreements, the financing and arrangements with the partners in the Deze Corporation. So we’re optimistic about the whole project and, certainly, every step of the way we have to do the due diligence for a successful project. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That’s correct. These are six positions for the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline office that are located in Hay River.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the chair of the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee, if I could pass the question on to the Premier who is responsible for the Power Corporation if I may, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present the 2010-2011 Main Estimates for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

ITI’s mandate is to promote economic self-sufficiency through responsible development of the NWT’s natural resources and the promotion of tourism, trade, investment, business and manufacturing to create a prosperous, diverse and sustainable economy for the benefit of all residents.

This mandate supports the commitment of our government that all residents of the NWT must have the opportunity to build a stronger future for themselves, their families and their communities. In...

The Government of the Northwest Territories has identified $2 million this year. It’s located in the budget of ENR. So that’s where it’s identified right now, Mr. Chair. Thank you.