Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The well is definitely running dry in Norman Wells. As a matter of fact, by next year, October 31, 2014, taps will be turned off to heat the residences in Norman Wells.
We need to help the people in Norman Wells keep their homes heated and keep their businesses running. At this critical point of survival, now is the time to switch, time to make it a priority of this government to help the people through these types of situations.
I want to state, clearly, in this critical situation for us in the regions, we need to put the people first. We must not leave anyone out in the cold. Seventeen percent of all residents’ homes have been converted in Norman Wells. That’s 27 out of 159 homes. It costs about $10,000 to $15,000 to revert the homes to heating fuel. Also, there is a solution to the propane conversion. This is about $1,500, but it costs more to operate than the heating fuel.
We do have a solution within our hands to have alternative energy education workshops on grants and programs under the Biomass Program. Biomass is a solution with wood pellet initiatives that are now popping up. It would greatly help our people in Norman Wells. We need to seek funding to help with the businesses and residences and homeowners in this situation. We need to help to plan to reduce gas usage by 40 percent. Better yet, if we could reduce it to 50 percent.
We must not allow the people nor the town of Norman Wells to fend for themselves. It is not right. I call on this government to launch a full-force strike to help with the conversion in Norman Wells and put our focus on the people, securing them, knowing that this government is here to help them, and to look at funding that we can help the people from freezing this winter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
