I move that $85,000 be deleted from the interim appropriation detail booklet amount set out in Schedule 2, Capital Investment Expenditures, item number 9, Environment and Natural Resources on page 6, for the project “Lightning Location System.”
The motion is being circulated. The motion is in order. To the motion.
Mr. Chairman, of all the projects there are a number that are essential, but the ability to have this lightning detection system that gives us early warning where there are forest fires allows us to mobilize sooner to better protect our communities and a lot of the assets that we have. These are a critical piece of infrastructure to be maintained, and I would ask the MLAs to consider that all of us, except my honourable colleague from Nunakput, live in the boreal forest and recognize the issue of forest fires. This is a very important piece, so I would ask that we consider that, because fire season is going to soon be upon us.
I hear the Hon. Member from across the floor, but I have to again state there is no indication in the materials and explanations that we have had, apart from his words just now, that indicates that this is an urgent item. I gather that the system is already there, and I understand that it needs to be upgraded but, again, my understanding was that this interim appropriation was basically for items which were under contract, which were a safety measure or which were urgently required. I don’t know why this item can’t wait ‘til May or June.
Mr. Chairman, the motion calls for the elimination of this one project. We have to remind ourselves of the fire season. The further north you go, there may still be some snow, but in the southern parts of the Territory the environment does dry out sooner. If we start dealing with this later on in the season — in fact, we will be in full summer season, and we put crews in place the 1st of May — this area can be considered as an ounce of prevention, in a sense. If we are unable to properly see where lightning strikes are hitting in the Northwest Territories, it delays the reaction time for those areas that would be considered appropriate to fight fires. I again would encourage Members to think of that as we review this request.
Again, the information that might help on this motion would be: Is there a system that’s up and running quite capably right now? Where are the efficiencies? Presumably, if you know where a fire is, you can get to it earlier before it gets large, put it out, and save a lot of dollars. We haven’t heard that sort of information. I’m just trying to think of things that would help me decide on this.
Question has been called.
Committee motion not carried.
Environment and Natural Resources, appropriation authority required: $1,765,000.
Environment and Natural Resources, $1,765,000 approved.
Infrastructure Expenditure Appropriation, appropriation authority required: $110,096,000.
Infrastructure Expenditure Appropriation, $110,096,000 approved.
I would have you turn to the Schedule on page 3. We’re on page 3 of the Schedule: Interim Amounts of Appropriation for 2008-2009 fiscal year, part 1, vote 1, Operations Expenditure.
