Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is an exciting time to be a Northerner. From mineral wealth to ecotourism, the NWT is known as a vast source of untapped potential.

Today I want to speak to another source of untapped potential where better focus needs to be directed. That, Mr. Speaker, is our northern hydro power potential.

Now that the Taltson expansion has been put on hold and now that the Bluefish dam replacement will cost almost $40 million, a lot has changed in the landscape as to where the NWT Hydro Strategy is going, or certainly could be going, Mr. Speaker.

With eight major rivers in the NWT with a combined hydroelectric power of over 11,000 megawatts, there is enough hydro power in that potential to provide 19 million residents with clean, affordable electricity. Mr. Speaker, that could support a city the size of New York City. However, with only a total of 55 megawatts on three rivers that have been developed at this point, clearly we have more than enough power for us and a great potential for opportunity to build towards the future.

I believe we need to focus in on a few simple strategic goals. We are clearly missing the opportunity to sell power to our neighbours to the south. Our government needs to direct the Power Corp to build partnerships with industry to work towards creating a territorial grid, because once a hydro plan is established, it can provide clean power for many years at a low cost to ratepayers, governments, and certainly make sure that the environment is available and cleanly used as opposed to going with diesel.

It is a clean source of sustainable energy, Mr. Speaker; one that could help as well lower the cost of living that is such a difficult challenge here in the North. If there’s one region in Canada that recognizes that problem, it’s certainly here.

Now, Mr. Speaker, industry has recognized that hydro potential, over seven years ago, could do great things, and we see it here with the investments that we have before us. I know this government doesn’t necessarily have all the money available to develop the hydro potential, and that’s why I suggest we seek partners in industry to work together to develop this need.

Mr. Speaker, I support the long-term development using partners, but as long as Northerners remain in control of our resource. Mr. Speaker, government has made significant investment into these energy priorities and I applaud the work that they’ve done. Mr. Speaker, it is time to make significant policy commitments towards those goals.

Later today I will have questions for the Premier to see how our Hydro Strategy is being developed for the future. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.