Debates of June 7, 2006 (day 7)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off I’ll say I’m glad to see two energy statements in regards to the concerns by the Ministers read into the record today, because that will be very important later. Although I have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, I’m not old enough to have experienced the telex, Morse code, or other things like that…

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…like Mr. Braden has. I can tell you my TV, cell phone and Internet generation has seen significant climate changes and concerns that we see today. My Member’s statement today, then, Mr. Speaker, as you’ve probably guessed, is about core funding for the Arctic Energy Alliance, our energy saving crusader out there.

Mr. Speaker, a number of concerns have risen with the Arctic Energy Alliance’s ability to sustain their current workload and mandate in the absence of secure and adequate funding, Mr. Speaker. So I’m glad to say that the government is certainly taking notice of this energy concern and they put it finally under the microscope where it’s deserved to be.

I recently have learned that NWT Power Corporation decided to reduce core funding to the alliance to just $5000, down from their usual $25,000. The Power Corporation proposes that the $20,000 shortfall would be made up through fee-for-service work conducted on their behalf by the alliance. I would also note that the $20,000 corresponds very nicely with the amount of fee-for-service that they charged back last year, and I’ll put it this way: the bottom line is it’s a $20,000 reduction no matter how you move those shells around the table, Mr. Speaker.

Last time I looked, the Power Corp is solely owned by the GNWT. So where is our government support for this energy crusading agent of ours? The point I am trying to make, Mr. Speaker, is if the Arctic Energy Alliance is not sufficiently resourced, it will not be able to fulfill the terms of its mandate. I’m also aware that the Arctic Energy Alliance has outgrown its space because of the demand that the customers and clients and the citizens of our good territory are putting on it.

Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Energy Alliance is doing the best it can. In the absence of stable funding and cramped workspace, they are getting the work done. It is time for the departments of ENR and ITI to do some work to make sure adequate core funding is provided in the next upcoming business plan cycle and give them the ability to pursue mandates to pursue market-driven opportunities and partnerships. Mr. Speaker, this side of the House will continue to pursue this lip service, rhetoric, discussion papers into real concrete dollar deals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause