Floyd Roland

Mr. Chairman, the boilers identified for replacement, as the Member highlighted, are to use a more efficient system. The one fortunate thing to point out is when we can capture the market — that is, take advantage of the lower-cost products as well as companies that are willing to enter into agreements where you can replace the existing unit and just pay the O&M, in a sense — that is a benefit. In a number of areas, we are unable to continue with that type of practice because it’s just not available. As well, I’ve been informed that the cost of the materials — the pellets — to run these units...

Mr. Chairman, it’s perimeter fencing to ensure that the design work can be completed and that tenders of construction allow for summer completion. In both cases Minister Lafferty may have more detail to provide as to why this should proceed at this time. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, once again in this debate, those are actions of the 15th Legislative Assembly in terms of those motions that were passed. But in the life of this government, the 16th Assembly, the information has flowed. We’ve showed that information. We know where the dollars are. Those dollar marks haven’t changed since the last update to Members.

With the request for a peer review, this project…. The lenders have been involved with our lawyers and looking at all documentation; the process has undergone quite a review in the sense of where it is required to go.

Yes, the Member quoted the cost...

Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding they will be carrying or requesting a carryover. I’m not sure of the exact amount, but they will be carrying over some of the money they haven’t expended in prior years, and that money will be available to them to continue the work they are involved in at this point. There will be some carryover that can still be used as we proceed with this plan.

Mr. Chairman, as the Government of the Northwest Territories, we are seriously looking at how we do business as a government, if there are areas where we can effect a cost-saving by going to new technologies.

We also are looking at the fact that we may have to invest a little more up front to get a longer lifespan from some of the equipment and facilities that we operate. As well as doing as much as we can to mitigate the impact we have on the environment, there are a number of factors there that we’re working on. We have an energy committee through cabinet to begin looking at that and take the...

Mr. Speaker, I was hoping that we would have it today, but it is being worked on as we speak.

Mr. Chairman, the process that has been used in coming up with our estimates is the one that has been in practice for many years. The client department would list the project on its needs assessment. As it came due for putting it onto the plan, they would work with Public Works and Services to do a technical review as to what would be required, and supplementary estimates would be done.

We have to realize, as these are put on the books…. They could be five years in the making from when they first get onto the books to when they are actually voted on. As we’ve found over the last number of years...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Joining me at the table to my right is the secretary to the FMB, Ms. Kathleen LeClair. To my left is the Director of Budget Evaluation, Mr. Sandy Kalgutkar.

Mr. Speaker, the Member in this House a number of days ago talked about the facts of where we are involved, why we are involved, questioning as well, as was stated in the House, that the government is backstopping this through the concession agreement. But there are limitations.

We’re not guaranteeing the large loan. We’ve guaranteed the $9 million, which will be paid out once the dollars flow from the lending partners. We are involved through the concession agreement, through the overall indemnification of the lenders.

Mr. Chairman, I would have to go to the Minister of EC&E for detail on the plans for this facility.