Debates of November 30, 2007 (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask a question sort of related to the Wind Energy Conference. As with any discussion, the proof is in the pudding. It depends on the action that comes out of it. I think a number of people here have been very pleased to hear about the Wind Energy Conference. Are the Ministers committed to following up with actions, and programs, and funding to establish wind energy where appropriate in the North after this conference? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. I didn’t hear who that was addressed to, so I’ll address it to the Premier, Mr. Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ll use my prerogative in this matter and ask the Minister of ENR, who’s made his statement on wind energy a day or so ago.

Thank you, Mr. Roland. The honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 93-16(1): Wind Energy Conference

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we’re committed to working with the Assembly, as we’ve been saying over the last number of days, sorting out the final priorities for the strategic direction and priorities for the 16th Assembly. Cabinet will be moving on that. The issue of alternative energy is a key issue. We’re working with communities, and have been, between the energy plans. We know that there have been significant advances in a lot of areas. As oil hits $100 a barrel, the interest levels are continuing to grow, as well as the pressure to reduce our greenhouse gases. So we have to sort this out. But, yes, we’re interested in trying to move ahead in any ways that will make communities more self-sufficient and self-reliant. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Supplementary To Question 93-16(1): Wind Energy Conference

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d just like to note that my vagueness at the beginning was intentional. It shows that there is a need for cooperation and integration of programs on these important subject matters. ITI would obviously be involved in this, as well. I’m happy to go with the Minister of the Environment, here. The federal subsidy rate for the establishment of wind energy was set according to costs in southern Canada. Clearly this is not suitable for us, where our energy costs are quite high relative to that. Is the Minister working with the Yukon, Nunavut, and Ottawa to get federal subsidies set in an appropriate level that are suitable to the advancement of technology in the North? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 93-16(1): Wind Energy Conference

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is an energy coordinating committee on Cabinet made up of ITI, myself, and Public Works and Services and such, and we’re tasked with overseeing the energy plan, conservation issues, hydro issues. As we get up and running -- in fact, we’re having a meeting Monday to start the business of the committee -- those type of detailed issues will be one of the things that we’re going to be looking at. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Bromley.

Supplementary To Question 93-16(1): Wind Energy Conference

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is my last supplemental. I’m also wondering if the Minister is working with Aurora College and those sorts of follow-up programs to establish the learning and the knowledge in the North that we need for these renewable energy projects to come to fruition. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 93-16(1): Wind Energy Conference

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In fact, I had the opportunity to meet with the college Board of Governors yesterday at noon, as well with the president, to talk about the NRTP course, the need to work together, the role of the Aurora Research Institute up in Inuvik, the need to set a collaborative science agenda between the government and Aurora College. So we’re setting the framework in place to have those type of discussions that will lead to the resolution and the moving forward of the issue that the Member has raised. Thank you.