Date
June
7
2006
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of June 7, 2006 (day 7)
Topics
Statements
Minister’s Statement 19-15(5): Release Of The “Energy For The Future” Discussion Paper
Brendan Bell
Yellowknife South
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Premier has spoken about the potential of the Northwest Territories to develop more of its energy resources in response to rising energy costs faced by our residents.
Looking forward, it is critical that our territory has a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the development, management and use of energy resources in the NWT.
At the appropriate time today, I will be tabling an energy discussion paper titled “Energy for the Future.” This discussion paper was jointly prepared by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and also the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Energy for the Future is a way forward, outlining a proposed policy framework to guide future energy decisions and proposing a number of strategic actions in support of this policy framework.
Mr. Speaker, this document reflects the balance that must be struck between future development, management and use of our energy resources while ensuring a high degree of environmental care and quality.
This document is built, in part, upon work undertaken by previous governments. Our government will consider all comments and will certainly be receptive to innovative suggestions as we move forward in the development of a comprehensive energy plan for the NWT.
This plan must consider domestic and export materials for the development and use of our non-renewable, renewable and alternative energy sources, like powering more of our communities and industries such as the diamond mines with hydroelectricity and identifying options for natural gas conversion in communities. It will mark, I hope, the emergence of the NWT as a supplier of secure, affordable and sustainable energy, first and foremost for itself, Mr. Speaker, and then for all Canadians and the North American marketplace.
It is our intention to have a draft of this energy plan for Members of this Legislative Assembly to review in the fall. I encourage all Members and all residents of the NWT to take time to consider these issues and provide input into this energy plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause