Debates of August 22, 2007 (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to talk today about the need for a power generation and utilization strategy so we tap into our enormous hydro potential. There are a lot of people interested in hydro energy potential that exists in our NWT. The mines need a cheap, clean and abundant supply of energy to power their operations. The people of the NWT need a cheap, clean and reliable source of energy, too. There are a number of potential projects before us. There is a green corridor, the proposed east to west national power grid, and I’m very interested in the potential the NWT can play in their role in helping produce clean energy for Canada. Officials from TransCanada Power and ATCO are proposing a hydro development on the Slave River. Finally, in addition to the Taltson River project, there is also the hydro potential of Bear River and a number of small river projects with the potential to power a number of communities with cleaner and cheaper energy for our people, Mr. Speaker.

I would encourage this government, our government, Mr. Speaker, to complete a power generation and utilization strategy to take full advantage of our northern hydro potential. This hydro strategy, Mr. Speaker, should consider the development of a green corridor. Potential revenues from this project and others mentioned should be reflected in a macroeconomic study that could help everyone, Mr. Speaker. We know our hydro potential in the North is vast. We need a strategic plan to work towards this goal. Yet again, cheap energy so people can afford their power bills, clean energy so we’re working with our greenhouse gas credits, and a strong, strong, clear supply of energy to our communities, with less power outages, Mr. Speaker. And best of all, most of this work has already been done; it just needs to be pulled together. It’s about the bottom line sometimes, Mr. Speaker, because why can we deliver cheaper energy in some areas of the NWT and more expensive in other areas but yet we don’t seem to be working together? It’s time we take a bigger picture approach; it’s time that this government stop peacemaking what really is an ineffective approach on how we’re doing business. Mr. Speaker, a power generation utilization strategy is the balanced approach we need to start looking towards the future. Let’s get our power working for us. Thank you Mr. Speaker.

---Applause