[English translation not provided.]
Last week I received an e-mail indicating that a gas station and convenience grocery store in Fort Simpson is closing. This business has been in operation for a long time and is a local landmark. It provides a service to Fort Simpson residents that will be missed.
The business employed eight to 10 people and that is a lot of jobs to lose in a relatively small community. The business is closing because the owners cannot pay off their debts to the NWT Power Corporation. Since September 1st they have paid back $50,000 but still owe more. With the large payments they are making to the NWT Power Corporation, they are not able to purchase inventory to sell in their store or to keep their operation running.
I am concerned about two issues here. First, I wonder how a business operation could get into such a debt with the NWT Power Corporation. The owners appear to have paid back a large chunk of the money. It seems they have made every effort as otherwise their electricity would have been cut off. However, in making the payments, they are not able to keep the business afloat. Why didn’t the NWT Power Corporation work out a strategy and a repayment structure that’s affordable to the owner?
That leads to the second issue I’m concerned about. Perhaps it doesn’t take very long to rack up huge debts for electricity. I have heard of owners in buildings and businesses who spend 30 to 40 percent of their operating costs on electricity. It’s obvious that expensive power is the real reason behind this Fort Simpson business collapse. It is all the more reason to change our rate structure and seek a level playing field for all purchasers of electricity.
It is sad that we had such a business loss in Fort Simpson I am in support of a review of this situation so that we can learn from this to help other businesses stay in business.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
