Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Along with my 12 colleagues, I’m concerned with the growing cost of living in the North. Many people are finding it difficult to pay their monthly bills. Every time you turn around, the cost of food, water, taxes, fuel and, more recently, the price of power is going up. These people are the majority of the Northwest Territories, the general public, and the high cost of living especially affects the middleclass and lower-income people throughout the North.
The public is looking to this government to find ways to reduce the high cost of living. Many people are finding ways to reduce their costs and reduce their dependence on power and fuels.
My experienced colleagues have demanded that this government look at ways to reduce the cost of living. I would like to discuss two ways I feel that can be effective and it’s attainable during the life of this Assembly.
I believe that biomass is a great return on investment. It is a renewable resource; it is a product of a valuable commodity: lumber. Biomass also has great potential for heat and for power as well.
The second tool that I believe this government can use to reduce the costs is through the hydropower system and the expansion of our power system. The expansion of the hydro system must link to the southern grid to both NWT hydro systems. The system then can expand north up the Mackenzie Valley.
The high cost of living is a growing monster. Because these high costs are spreading to business as well, all residents are affected and they are affected in the cost of fuel, food, rent and all aspects of people’s lives. We need to come up with a plan to stop and reduce the escalating cost of living in the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Bouchard. The Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
