Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have always advocated for affordable power rates for our residents and businesses because energy costs have such an impact on the standard of living of families and the success of businesses. I know that the rates of community residents of Nahanni Butte, Jean Marie River and Wrigley are among the highest in the NWT. These rates hit hard.
This winter residents have told me about monthly rates as high as $600 for a family of four. That is a large part of a family’s disposable income and makes it hard for a family to make ends meet. Yesterday I spoke about a Fort Simpson business in operation for more than two decades that was forced to close down because the owners could not afford to pay the power bill.
Myself and my constituents have always advocated for a one-rate zone. Although this may not be possible at this time, it is still my vision for the future of the NWT.
The Legislative Assembly faces an important challenge as it deliberates over how to restructure our power rates fairly throughout the NWT. We have gathered information from community and stakeholder consultations and I look forward to working with all my colleagues to see how we can improve the situation throughout the North and in Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
