Floyd Roland

If something were to happen, it may be a reality. The fact is we have looked at our areas where we have direct responsibility. In fact, when there was an issue about some shortages in the higher parts of the territory last year, the Department of Public Works and Services looked at routes Over the Top to look at resupply from other areas to ensure there was no shortage in the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We became aware even previously. Last year, for example, there was talk of a shortage across Western Canada. The announcement that the Member is speaking about was refinery issues in Southern Canada.

For our supply here in the North — for example, to our remote communities — that’s resupplied by our Petroleum Products Division. Their fuel is up to max on the diesel side. For example as well, within the Power Corporation, at the Yellowknife facility, we have surplus supply there. We’ve taken the necessary steps and actions to protect ourselves here in the Northwest...

Mr. Speaker, we know that once a Regular Member is elected to Cabinet, their constituents lose a certain amount of representation because of the new role that Ministers, including myself, play in representing the territory. The budget is a territorial document, and this House decides on that.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Member for that question. In fact, it gives me an opportunity to speak about the call I made to Premier Charest when the idea of the meeting first came together. I followed up with him yesterday after the meeting again to discuss some of the events that occurred and a direction being set and the call, in agreement with the Prime Minister, to hold a First Ministers’ meeting before Christmas. We’re hoping to get the dates on that soon.

The reason I didn’t make the trip initially…. As I’ve said, I confirmed with Premier Charest that I was hoping to make...

Mr. Speaker, there are a number of things that are being reviewed in highlights of the upcoming budget preparations. More recently, for example, we’ve increased the Seniors Fuel Subsidy to limit the impact of the cost of living on our seniors who are on fixed incomes. That’s one of the areas, and again, that is short term. Other things we have to look at are mini hydro in some of our communities and wind technology to be put in place.

I think one of the other things we do need to look at, again, goes back to our main power source in the Northwest Territories and how we look at that. I stated...

The process that is laid before the Power Corporation and how it has to operate…. It goes through a very thorough review, and in fact it costs a substantial amount of money when it comes to putting the application before the PUB and justifying the costs that it operates under and establishing its rates and then going forward to see if it can get the approval.

As you look at the annual costs that we have to face here in the Northwest Territories, the Power Corporation is going through the same. For example, whenever a new package is negotiated with the employees, that has an impact. When...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The process we’re undergoing is budget preparations, as well as trying to look at cost effectiveness of programs. A number of initiatives we’ve started. The issue of subsidies is one we’ve looked at for quite a number of years. The total package ranges over $100 million, when you look at all the areas of housing, fuel subsidy and income support.

In the short term I’d say we have to look at the fact that we do limit the impact or stabilize the cost of living in many of our small and remote communities. Without that subsidy, the cost would go extremely higher. Our...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Power Corporation General Rate Application or the rate rider application that is being looked at right now, that the Member’s pointed out, is to deal with the past expenses of the Power Corporation on fuel prices. In fact, it goes back quite a number of months, so it’s a makeup for loss of money that was looked at when they went through the general rate rider application over a year ago. So that makes up some of the issues not for going ahead.... It is more dealing with the costs that the Power Corporation had to deal with.

Mr. Speaker, maybe I should take a better look at my Members’ portion of benefits. The ministerial piece is $1,500 for the year, and it covers other expenses that Members who are Ministers would incur in their duties, whether it is in the capital or when they are travelling, to cover off some of the additional costs that one would run across.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Executive Council, as well as the Legislative Assembly Act, covers a number of areas. The Executive piece is following work that was done by previous governments and put into place, in fact, to kick in with this the 16th Legislative Assembly.

The work was done prior to this Assembly. It came into effect, and in fact, this tabling of this information is the first time we are putting it forward for information for the public.