Mr. Speaker, last session this House discussed the territorial-wide concern with dramatic rise in fuel prices. Last winter, the MLAs asked the various ministries to be proactive, rather than reactive, to what was inevitable. Furthermore, many constituents in Nahendeh have expressed their growing concern for the high cost of fuel and energy, especially in the small and remote communities. As indicated, prices have risen on two separate occasions in 2005 through the petroleum products division. Although prices rise and fall in the major centres, the prices in the 15 communities serviced by petroleum products seem to remain constant, with little or no price reduction.

In addition, petroleum products division purchases their fuel years in advance. Then why is it that current market conditions are affecting prices? As many residents have stated, that with escalating costs of living in small and remote communities, healthy living is quickly becoming a lifestyle for the privileged.

As an MLA, I strive to see communities where families do not have to decide between heating fuel and groceries and to see a territory where living standards are equal. Every year, the communities in the North are rapidly changing and residents’ concerns with the heating and fuel costs are becoming more and more frequent. This increase in necessary fuel costs will place hard-working families in additional financial hardship.

Currently, this government offers home heating subsidies and, although very needed, this is only offered to our seniors. Without very important programs such as these, the extraordinary heating costs experienced in the North would be overwhelming for elders and others with limited incomes.

On behalf of the small communities in my riding and throughout the North, Mr. Speaker, I ask that this government place energy costs a priority when deliberating how best to serve our constituencies. Mahsi cho.

---Applause