Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation. I was wondering if the Minister could tell me what role he sees for the NWT Power Corp in the energy future of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, Mr. Roland.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess the simplest way of saying it is that the role of the Power Corporation into the future of the Northwest Territories is one that’s evolving. Again, I met with the board of the Power Corporation. I stated that we have to look at how we operate and look at all facets of it. The fact that we have to look beyond the existing framework that’s in place is something that we shouldn’t shy away from as we look forward to how we generate and deliver power in the Northwest Territories.
Thanks to the Premier for that response. Could the Premier also tell me what kinds of partnerships are possible on energy projects?
Mr. Speaker, the partnership question is one where, as the Government of the Northwest Territories, we have to open the door on it more. In fact, there are already a number of partnerships that have been formed with the Power Corporation; ffor example, on some of our hydro facilities with aboriginal companies and corporations in the Northwest Territories. But if we’re going to go and look at the hydro strategy that’s been put before the Members, if we’re going to invest in that in the Northwest Territories, we’re going to have to partner up with companies that have deep pockets and as well have expertise in those areas. So, again, we have to look at our role as one that’s changing and evolving as we grow as a territory.
Once again thanks to the Premier for that response. Could the Premier also tell me what specific NWT energy projects could gain from partnerships with private industry?
Mr. Speaker, there are quite a number of projects that could benefit. There is a history within the North of partnering with some of the companies here in the Northwest Territories. The Taltson hydro project is an example of forming a partnership with aboriginal companies in the Northwest Territories. I think that is another example of how we move this project ahead when we get to the next stage after environmental review.
When it comes to the actual financing of the project, how do we move this ahead? The GNWT itself, as we talked about, as Members are aware…. The fiscal restraint that we face, our borrowing limit, all have an impact on the speed that a project of this nature can advance. We would have to look at projects like that. If we’re going to expand further, there have been discussions in the past with the Sahtu people about development of hydro there. We need to form partnerships with aboriginal partners in the Northwest Territories, and we’ll look for partners who have deep pockets.
Thank you, Mr. Roland. Final supplementary, Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and once again thank you for that response. Is the GNWT or the NWT Power Corp actively seeking partnerships on any energy projects in the NWT?
Mr. Speaker, there are some partnerships that have been formed, so the Power Corporation is involved in those. Are we seeking beyond that at this point? When I met with the Power Corporation board, the chairman as well, I stated that it’s something we have to pursue. The Government of the Northwest Territories side of it as well as the Power Corporation needs to pursue partnerships out there to come up with options. We shouldn’t always put our eggs in the basket of the federal government, for example.
Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
