Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I mentioned alternative energy options as we are proceeding forward with the ten-year strategic plan here. My question is to the Minister of ITI. I would say let's dust off the old studies that were done by EBA here in 2010 and realize the Sahtu potential as identified in the study. Will the Minister of ITI look at alternative energy sources in the Sahtu? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The short answer is yes. With our energy strategy that we are going around the Northwest Territories, we are willing to look at all input so we can make an informed decision on how we move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
My next question is leading up to, with the same department, the same Minister of DPW, in preparation for the upcoming buildings that are going to be looked at hopefully within the next five years for the health centre in Tulita, will the Minister support a pilot project here on the R and D phase of the community of Tulita in conjunction with the plans for the Tulita health centre?
I would have to get more details from the Member on what he is asking.
I am specifically looking at the heat source beneath the community of Tulita. The viability of geothermal heat was identified in the study of 2010. That might be an alternative source to eliminate consumption of fuel for the Tulita health centre. My question is added on to the previous one.
We would have to look at the economies of scales and do a business plan compared to other sources of heat for the facility, be it biomass or diesel fuel or solar, plus all the regular stuff that we are looking at in our energy strategy. That is something we can have a look at, but it would be based on cost of supplying energy and what makes good sense and business case.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome the comments made leading up to a date of collaboration. I look forward to some suggestions coming back from the Minister on dates available for this R and D session. Thank you.
I hear that as a general comment. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
