Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On this topic today, I attended a luncheon with the president of the Canadian Electricity Association, and there were some facts that he brought forward; namely, that the Conference Board of Canada believes that it will take $350 billion to renew electricity infrastructure and support the growing demand for energy. Does the Minister know what our current infrastructure deficit is in power infrastructure in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.
Minister responsible for NWT Power Corporation.
No, I'm not aware of that figure, but I can certainly look into this matter for the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I would appreciate if the Minister could share that with us all. Does the Power Corporation have a plan to renew this infrastructure across the Territories?
Yes. Of course, the Power Corporation is aware that assets depreciate and, in addition, the government has been looking into a new energy plan and consulting with utilities. Mr. Speaker, again, I will look into this matter further for the Member opposite. I don't know if there's a figure out there as to what it would cost to replace the entire system, but again, I will look into it.
Also, in the process of acquiring the Northlands assets in Hay River, is the Minister, or the Power Corporation, or anyone, aware of the state of that infrastructure and whether it needs renewal in the short to immediate term? Are we going to be taking on additional costs in renewing that infrastructure? Is the Minister aware if those questions have been asked?
Of course, all assets are depreciating, but one of the things that is going to be taking place as this matter goes to the arbitrator is there will be an evaluation made of those assets which, I assume, will take into account depreciation.
Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess what I'm getting at, there's a growing infrastructure need for power generation. Our rates continue to go up. Our rate base is not increasing, given our low amount of population. Is this government going to prioritize power generation, and starting with the Taltson expansion. We know they've gone to Ottawa. We know they've had those discussions with our federal counterparts. Have we made any progress on that, and is the Minister prepared to announce a Taltson expansion deal by the end of this Assembly? Thank you.
Mr. Speaker, I can advise that we have, of course, as the Member opposite mentioned, engaged with the federal government. Also, there have been preliminary discussions with officials in the Province of Saskatchewan. We are waiting for the federal infrastructure budget to see if we can access those funds for major development.
Time for oral questions has expired. Before I move on to written questions, colleagues, since our last sitting day, I have had time to reflect on the written questions filed on Thursday, February 9. Before I proceed with the written questions, I would like to take a moment to remind all Members to use this item appropriately.
According to Rule 44(1), written questions should be reserved for those questions "which would be likely to require a detailed or complex answer, or which would not reasonably be assumed to be within the present knowledge of the Minister." To quote former speaker Paul Delorey, "Written questions are not intended to be an indirect way of extending oral question period."
On one hand, to interpret this rule too stringently may have the undesired effect of curtailing full and open debate in this House and limiting the information available to Members. On the other hand, to interpret this rule too loosely may lead to the misuse of the privileges enjoyed by Members.
Colleagues, if you have any uncertainty about potential written questions, or other items, please do not hesitate to discuss the matter with either myself or my staff. As your Speaker, it is my duty to ensure that all written questions conform to the rules and practices of the House.
I will allow the written questions filed on Thursday, February 9, to stand, as I believe it is important for Members of this House to have the ability to seek important information from this government.
I remind all Members in these Chambers to pay close attention to the form and content of their written questions in the future. Masi.
