Yes, Mr. Chair, I move that Committee Motion 13-18(2) be amended by deleting the words "expand and." Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Sebert. The motion to amend is in order. To the amendment to Committee Motion 13-18(2). The amendment to the motion is being distributed. To the amendment to the motion. Mr. Sebert.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. The wording change proposed by the committee is more concise and improves on the original text of the draft. The only issue of concern to the GNWT is the use of the word “expand” in reference to access to energy conservation and efficiency programs. The GNWT currently funds very generous energy efficiency and conservation programs, including the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program, the Commercial Energy Efficiency Program and the Alternative Energy Technologies Program. The Energy Efficiency Incentive Program provides incentives for products we use every day, including washers, dryers, refrigerators and stoves. Residents can receive up to $700 for the purchase of a wood pellet stove. The Commercial Energy Conservation and Efficiency Program is a program available to businesses. Rebates are available to businesses. Rebates are available for energy upgrades of up to $15,000 for qualified commercial energy efficiency products.
The Alternative Energy Technology Program provides funding for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and wood pellet heating. Applicants may receive funding of up to one-half of the project cost, up to $21,000 per year. Generally, many of our incentives are much more generous than one would find in other parts of the country. An undefined commitment to expand programs is not prudent at this time in view of the fiscal restraints we've heard about. The GNWT does support the inclusion of the words “improve access.” This is an ongoing objective of the Arctic Energy Alliance and the GNWT has funded the establishment of Arctic Energy Alliance regional offices in recent years to improve access to services in communities. Provincial and territorial governments continue to advocate for renewed federal investment in energy conservation and efficiency incentives. The federal government once played a more direct role in this area but has refrained from doing so in recent years. The GNWT will look for a renewed federal presence in supporting energy conservation and efficiency. For those reasons, we are proposing this amendment. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Sebert. To the amendment to the motion. Mr. O'Reilly.
Thanks, Mr. Chair. I do appreciate the Member opposite providing a good summary of the good work that Arctic Energy Alliance does carry out. I think part of the difficulty here with this proposed amendment to the motion is that it would basically take away one of the measurable targets or actions for this particular item in the mandate, and that's to expand programs. We haven't said over what period of time or even how much, but it's an inspirational part of this action in here to basically expand those programs.
