Louis Sebert

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly, any new major project would likely put a strain on the current system, whether that is a new mine or an old mine. I don't have any new details as to the amount of power that might be required. A major increase in the amount of power used in the system would likely require some changes in the manner in which we deliver power. It may involve the building of additional plants or even dams. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, of course, we are looking at all these matters. As indicated in my response to one of the earlier questions, part of the concern of the board that is shared by the shareholder was that increase in rates be as moderate as possible. Had we kept the old board, there would have been a larger increase than the one that is anticipated. We are, however, looking at the whole corporate governance of the board, the future of the Power Corporation.

Certainly, Mr. Speaker, we are working with other departments to ensure that the energy future for the Northwest Territories will be a cleaner one. We are in the process of developing a 20-year strategic plan that will focus on addressing such issues as cleaner energy, ensuring reliability, and supporting economic development in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am not entirely sure if I understand the question. If TerraX proceeded on its own and had its own power plant, I suppose that would be one thing. On the other hand, the development of this mine or any other mine in this area may provide opportunities to the Power Corporation. Thank you.

I have not had direct contact with TerraX, although I did have the opportunity to attend a presentation that they gave in Yellowknife a year or two ago. I think it is a little uncertain at this stage the amount of power that they will require. Certainly, we would like to assist them. It may be necessary to increase our capacity.

Yes, Mr. Speaker. I can advise that, of course, we have just completed a successful public engagement program in which we received 1,160 responses and 200 people participated in our community engagement meetings. In the communities that my staff visited, two representatives of small communities were included; Tsiigehtchic, where alcohol is prohibited, and Fort Liard, which has alcohol restrictions in place. A number of communities were visited by the staff. I think it represented a good cross-section of the communities in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am certain that the senior staff at the facility does monitor these things and does review the training and the training needed for all of the staff at the correctional facility. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I had not really considered this idea. Perhaps it does have some merit. I had been under the impression that the Inmate Advisory Committee, IAC, meetings were working well, where there was a full and open discussion regarding issues. Yes, we can certainly consider that idea. I don't think currently we would have a process in place, but I would be willing to look at it.

Mr. Speaker, I don't have the numbers of staff or their shifts in front of me, but I am given to understand that there is adequate staffing at the facility.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can advise that monthly meetings are held with the Inmate Advisory Committee at NSCC, the IAC, to discuss inmate concerns and other issues or requests. I understand that there was a recent meeting, and at that meeting there was no insight received by the staff, at least, to the concerns presented in these letters, but there are provisions for the inmates to meet and air their concerns. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.