Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sahtu heating fuel emergency. Facing $50,000 for one heating season is terrifying. This, Mr. Speaker, is the sentiment of my riding according to the recent Cabin Radio article and conversations I've had with numerous constituents. Today will bring our last fall sitting to a close and, again, I must raise the alarm bells regarding the issue of increased fuel prices in Norman Wells. I'm grateful to my colleagues who have voiced support towards the issue, many of whom realize it's just a matter of time before similar situations arise in their own ridings, and to the Minister of Finance for ongoing conversations with Imperial Oil and federal counterparts. However, there is a still a ways to go to bring relief to this situation.
Mr. Speaker, emergencies aren't anew to this territory in recent years. We have dealt with COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and floods. In these instances, the government has adapted, innovated, and found ways to offer support. Innovation could or should not be a stranger, and it is needed now in Norman Wells. Currently, the cost of air freighting fuel in is approximately $5 million. This cost needs to be offset to help the Sahtu residents. Apart from declaring a state of emergency which could freeze prices, what can be done? How can we divert funding to offset these costs, Mr. Speaker? Are there options to pull from the carbon tax revenues or funding from devolution royalties for example?
Mr. Speaker, I'm worried about the outcome for my constituents if there is no further intervention or government support offered. I do not want to return to this House and having to speak about widespread devastation in my riding because no one could afford home heating oil. I want to ensure that the Premier and Cabinet grasps the severity of what this could mean in the hardships of winter pressures coming. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement, Mr. Speaker.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. And mahsi, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I implore the Premier to work with his Cabinet colleagues to introduce support for the people in my riding who will inevitably suffer in the coming cold months. And, Mr. Speaker, I assure residents I have every confidence. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Range Lake.
