Frieda Martselos
Statements in Debates
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week on March the 23rd, I had the inspiring opportunity to visit the Taltson hydro dam for the first time. Since visiting the dam, I feel I've begun to truly appreciate and better understand the need for further investment into this type of infrastructure for the future. It has occurred to me that this expansion project is likely one of the most important infrastructure projects that the NWT has ever considered.
Mr. Speaker, once built and even through construction, this expansion project will benefit all residents of the Northwest Territories. Not only will this...
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Mr. Speaker, logical decisions must prevail when considering large infrastructure projects like the Taltson dam expansion. Would the Minister agree? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Would the Minister reconsider having a central office with a superintendent in the Fort Smith office, considering that the Taltson River dam is located within close vicinity to the community of Fort Smith?
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope I get a yes on the last one, too. I want the Minister to understand that, to prepare for the Taltson expansion, the superintendent must be reinstated in a central office in Fort Smith with proper office support and the lines must be under that superintendent. Would the Minister consider this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
I know the Minister has seen the trends within the automobile industry regarding electric vehicles and the future. Does the Minister consider this economic trend as a key indicator for the importance of this expansion project?
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Moreover, Mr. Speaker, another example of major economic shift that will necessitate the need for more electricity in the future is the changing business model of all automobile manufacturers. Over the last two years, nearly all major automobile companies, such as Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Fiat, Chrysler, and others, have all stated their intention of going totally electric. Most of them are using the benchmark of either 2025 or 2030 for reaching this goal.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, as MLA for Thebacha and in the interests of the Indigenous file for the expansion...
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Thank you. I just want to make sure that we still have the option of voting by ballot. Is that going to be taken into consideration in this recommendation?
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Given the history of the Fort Smith office, just in the last year and a half, we lost the superintendent, and it hasn't been replaced. Would the Minister consider the Indigenous file when considering the activity in the future for the Taltson office in Fort Smith?
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Infrastructure Minister since I did not get a fourth yes and clarity. Considering that the Taltson expansion is on traditional territory of the Salt River First Nation and the Fort Smith Metis Nation, doesn't it make sense that the superintendent of NTPC, which it always was, that the office should be in Fort Smith for the South Slave and not Fort Simpson? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)
Does the Minister agree with the need to supply energy to the information technology and digital economies of the future? Does the Minister consider these as essential factors for the business case for this project?