Shauna Morgan

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure.

Does the Minister and her staff at the Department of Infrastructure have on their radar the technical feasibility study for district heating in downtown Yellowknife that was commissioned by Alternatives North in partnership with the city of Yellowknife and Arctic Energy Alliance, and has the department considered what its role might be in furthering this project?

Mr. Speaker, today I'm following up with my statement from yesterday by delving deeper into opportunities for biomass district heating systems in the territory. So this is a good example of where the barrier to reducing emissions is not necessarily money. We can do more with existing resources by getting our policies and regulatory systems in order and better coordinating with partners.

While we often focus on community electricity projects, in fact heating our building with oil has a much greater overall impact on our emissions in the NWT than electricity does. And it's up to 10 times cheaper...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This question is actually for the Minister of Housing, Housing NWT.

Continuing on though on the theme of renewable energy, I understand that last year Housing NWT completed its Energy Management Strategy 2030, which included objectives about more energy efficiency and introducing more renewable energy such as biomass. So my question is, has funding already been identified that would allow Housing NWT to meet those objectives that it set in its strategy, or what's the plan to ensure that the implementation is fully funded? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So these questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. In contrast to the perception that there are no alternatives in the Northwest Territories to heating oil or heating with fossil fuels, can you give us some highlights or insights on the steps the GNWT has already taken and is taking to help residents or businesses either use less heating fuel or switch to renewable alternatives for heating, including in public housing units? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my first set of questions are for the Minister of Finance, and if there's time after, I have additional questions for the Minister of Infrastructure.

So currently the net carbon tax revenues after we hand out the offset payments, they go into the GNWT's general revenues, and this could be 14 to $20 million per year but the public cannot see how these revenues are contributing to climate change solutions. So will this government commit to ensure that all net carbon tax revenues go towards climate change mitigation and adaptation programs in the NWT with transparent...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that the following Members be appointed to the Standing Committee on Procedures and Privileges:

The Member for Frame Lake, Julian Morse;

The Member for Great Slave, Kate Reid;

The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Denny Rodgers;

The Member for Range Lake, Kieron Testart; and,

The Member for Hay River South, the Honourable Vince McKay.

AND FURTHER that the following Members be appointed as alternate Members:

The Member for Yellowknife North, Shauna Morgan; and,

The Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes, the Honourable Lesa...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Friday, February 9th, 2024, I will move the following motion:

I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hay River North, that notwithstanding Rule 2.1, when this House adjourns on Friday, February 9th, 2024, it shall be adjourned until Tuesday, February 20th, 2024.

And further, that any time prior to February 20th, 2024, if the Speaker is satisfied after consultation with the Executive Council and Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet at an earlier time during the adjournment, the...

That's okay. I feel like I could delve much more but I know we're running out of time. So I just appreciate the Minister's commitment to make that special consideration for the benefit of all of us. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wonder if the Minister could also explain steps that the GNWT's taking to facilitate more district biomass heating systems. So that's for larger buildings often that are close together, systems that link one big heating system and heat multiple large buildings, and that could include partnerships with the city of Yellowknife, the federal government, or industry or business partners.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So just one followup here: So I know that we've consistently heard from the government that it's not a good idea to have a specific revolving fund but I've also we've also heard from the public that there's demand for that kind of transparency.

Can the Minister explain if there are specific technical barriers or legislative barriers to instituting such a revolving fund which would provide greater transparency and understanding for the public as to how we're investing in climate change alternatives?