Katrina Nokleby

The bids were very high compared to the budget, especially given that the budget was disclosed to the bidders at the pre-tender meeting in July. The gap was significant enough that we couldn't reasonably anticipate negotiating it down to within the budget. Cancelling the tender was the only option available to us to maintain an open, fair, and transparent process.

This does not mean that are not exploring options to bring the project budget down. One of the areas where we think that we may have some room to make changes is in the proposed fish processing lines and equipment requirements and the...

I got off easy yesterday. The Taltson hydro expansion project is a priority of this government as it will allow us to establish long-term energy infrastructure that can provide cost effective energy to communities, residents, and industry. It is identified as one of the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly, as one of the strategic infrastructure investments that connect communities, expand the economy, or reduce the cost of living.

The Taltson hydro expansion project will also help achieve the 19th Legislative Assembly's priority to reduce the cost of power and increase the use of...

That is one of the things that we must consider. Our first step will be to get some better understanding of why the bids were so high. Ideally, we will find a way to move the project ahead within the budget that we have, but this will take some time. While it is too early in the process to know how we will proceed, I will confirm to Members that we remain committed to building the plant.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a moment to recognize and remember my constituent and neighbour, Romeo Berube. He passed away suddenly at Stanton Territorial Hospital on December 5, 2019, at the age of 82. Romeo is predeceased by his adored wife, Angeline Mercredi, and will be dearly missed by his seven children, Margaret, John, Fred, Charlotte, Gladys, Yolande, and Darryl; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his three sisters and their families.

Romeo was originally from Ville Marie, Quebec, and his family moved with him to Yellowknife in 1972. He dedicated many years to...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This constituent is going to have to forgive me with the pronunciation of her name. I'd like to welcome Emilie Tourangeau, the communications officer for College nordique francophone, for being here; my constituent, thank you.

I would like to acknowledge my supporters, Chris Kellander, Maria -- I'm going to say your name wrong -- Wiesner, and Yvonne Quick, and my constituent Joyce Stewart. Thank you.