Madam Speaker, if I look especially tired today, it's because I was up early this morning to present virtually at the 2022 Aviation Innovation Conference being held in Toronto. The University of Manitoba invited me to speak on the various transportation issues and challenges faced by the Northwest Territories, and the potential use of airships here.
In February, I spoke to this Assembly about the possibility of using airships in the North to help with community resupply and in the resource extraction sector. Airships, or dirigibles, have also been discussed in this House during the 16th, 17th, and 18th Assemblies.
On Monday, the Premier said, "The federal government has committed to aligning Canada's electricity system with its climate goals of netzero by 2035 and a recent report by the Canadian Climate Institute says significant changes are required to every aspect of the provincial and territorial power generation and distribution systems to meet the future demand."
The Premier also stated, "Investment in infrastructure projects will play a significant role in the NWT's economic recovery, while also supporting national climate change goals."
Madam Speaker, low emission cargo airships are one way to help reduce emissions, and further transition the Northwest Territories to renewable energy. Airships also complement the needs of the mining industry and our remote communities as well.
Airships are a viable form of transportation for goods and supplies including fuel, food, and construction materials required for communities. They can also provide safety and emergency response, a critical need highlighted by the pandemic and recent flooding events. And it is only prudent, given the social issues roads bring, that they be investigated as a viable alternative.
In Canada it is illegal to use hydrogen for airships, rules based on outdated ideas of the safety of the craft. However in the US, new airship regulations have been developed that do not restrict the use of hydrogen gas. The role of the Canadian government in this conversation should be to provide connections and enable the use of airships through framework and regulation changes.
A first step to determine the viability of airships for use in the North would be to allow and facilitate experimental airships to conduct noncommercial test flights while simultaneously making changes to policy and regulations. Madam Speaker, I apologize, but could I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you so a first step to determine the viability of airships for use in the North would be to allow and facilitate experimental airships to conduct noncommercial test flights while simultaneously making changes to policy and regulations. With just a few small changes, it's possible we could become the leaders in an innovative industry that could provide another piece of the solution to the North's transportation issues.
Recently I was able to facilitate a meeting between proponents at the University of Manitoba and the Minister of ITI and her staff. I want to thank her for taking that time out of her busy schedule, and I will have questions for her later today. Thank you.
Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
