Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. The recent rise in energy costs will have an effect on many NWT residents. While market forces may see the price of energy decrease, unfortunately there is no expectation that this will happen in the near future. Long-term solutions are needed.

This issue is broader than just the cost of department programs. We must also make a concerted effort to use our energy resources more wisely.

With this in mind, I would like to outline measures the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is considering to keep our overall costs down, while building public understanding of the importance of effective conservation practices. During the upcoming year we plan to:

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develop an energy awareness campaign for our schools so that young people are aware of the need to be wise consumers of energy. This will help us address not only short-term objectives, but also create a future generation of citizens who exercise wise decisions around energy use. The campaign will build upon aspects of the curriculum that are already in place that focus on issues surrounding the environment and human habitation;

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work with education authorities to document current practices in the use of energy in schools, set targets for decreasing consumption, and develop a plan to implement and monitor actions and outcomes. To do this, we will work closely with our partners -- those who utilize our facilities -- to ensure that plans are well understood and remain supportive of our program delivery;

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develop an energy awareness campaign for residents who utilize our programs and services, including those accessing income support and seniors' programs. By providing information and referrals to experts, we will assist our plans in building their understanding of conservation techniques;

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finally, we will work closely with organizations such as the Arctic Energy Alliance and Environment and Natural Resources to ensure that our awareness campaigns are coordinated in a manner that maximizes effectiveness and avoids duplication.

Mr. Speaker, I mentioned earlier that we are all faced with rising costs to meet our energy needs. Our social programs provide a safety net for people in greatest need. For example, our Income Support Program covers the full cost of utilities for qualified individuals. Our senior Home Heating Subsidy Program provides support based on the amount of fuel rather than the cost.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment will be working with divisional education authorities and councils to determine how we can work together to address the high cost of fuel. I plan to discuss energy conservation when I meet with board chairs in November.

Mr. Speaker, energy conservation is an important goal. If we are to achieve success, we will need to enlist the support of all residents. By encouraging students to think and learn about energy conservation in school, they will help spread that message in their homes and communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause