Debates of September 28, 2023 (day 163)

Date
September
28
2023
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
163
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Mr. Edjericon, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Jacobson, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Mr. O’Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon Armstrong
Topics
Statements

Question 1590-19(2): Transmission Line to Whati

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is for infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, my colleague mentioned the Whati Transmission Line. Could that Minister please provide an update; we haven't seen any update or anything like that with SCEDE. So I just wanted to ask the Minister about that. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to provide the Member with detailed information on the Whati line. We're still in discussions and looking for some partnerships along the line. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Not just to me, but to the SCEDE would be much appreciated. When is the construction expected to be complete, and how much is it going to cost? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are looking at the transmission line to partner with Tlicho. We have had that discussion with the Tlicho government, looking at partnership, the cooperation agreement. The intent is to advance this project in a way that benefits Tlicho communities, businesses, while also helping GNWT achieve our energy goals and our priorities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I did ask that, you know, when that construction is expected to complete and how much it's going to cost. So the next question is that will this be part of the Tlicho infrastructure agreement? Will it include subcontractor and support services. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the next phase of the work on the project is expected to be advanced early in the new year. It includes things like the preliminary planning, design, consultation, engagement activities, as well as the environmental baseline studies, developing there's a lot of things that come into play here, Mr. Speaker and, you know, I would be happy to prepare a brief update to the Member on some of the details. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.

I just wanted to ask the Minister, has the route been selected for the transmission line? Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are still in discussions with the Tlicho. We are looking at the cooperation agreement so that we can have more information to be prepared and provide to the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Colleagues, our time for oral questions has expired. And I must say you did a lot better today than yesterday, but we still have to tighten it up a bit to have everybody an opportunity to ask questions. So keep that in mind next time, keep the preamble shorter, and you'll have time for more questions is what I'm saying. Okay, moving on.