Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to equitable levels of supported living services. We want to help them live as independently as possible in their own homes, or in accommodations provided by a supported living service provider. To advance our commitment, we conducted a comprehensive territorial review of supported living services to identify gaps in service, future demand, and best practices. The goal is a renewed person and familycentered, culturally safe, and inclusive model for delivering supported living services right here in the NWT.
Later today, I will be tabling the Supported Living Review Report. It provides recommendations for improving supported living services, as well as the GNWT's response to the report.
Mr. Speaker, supported living services provide 24hour support and supervision for individuals unable to live independently due to physical, cognitive, and/or mental health issues. These services are provided in Inuvik, Hay River, K'atlodeeche First Nation, and Yellowknife. When there is limited capacity within the NWT to provide the necessary supports for more complex needs, residents are provided with supported living services outside the territory.
The NWT Supported Living Review responds to a commitment made following public engagement for the 2017 Disability Program Review and Renewal Project. The review revealed inadequate access to equitable and supportive housing and support services for adults with disabilities across the NWT. A critical piece of the Supported Living Review was to hear and understand the needs of residents, so we conducted extensive engagement. The list included supported living clients and their families, persons with disabilities, Indigenous governments, and service providers. Engagement also included interviews, a survey, and both virtual and inperson public sessions in all regional centers. An advisory group of persons with disabilities, or their caregivers, was also established to gather knowledge, advice, and feedback from persons with lived experience.
Mr. Speaker, findings from the review show that the current system is complex to access, lacks communitybased service options, and is under-resourced to meet the range of needs interritory. The review provides 33 recommendations for
improving the scope of services;
standards and oversight;
workforce development; and
clientfocused services.
The GNWT has accepted 12 recommendations where work can begin with existing resources and has accepted in principle the remaining 21 recommendations pending additional resources to implement them.
The Department of Health and Social Services and the NWT Health and Social Services Authority have established a working group which will advance on the accepted recommendations. They will also help identify the additional resources to implement the recommendations accepted in principle. By advancing the recommendations, the scope of supported living services will be brought in-line with the objectives and goals of the NWT Disability Strategic Framework and the best practices for supporting adults with disabilities and their caregivers. It will also provide the framework for the GNWT to monitor the outcome, efficiency, and effectiveness of supported living services.
Mr. Speaker, supported living services are essential supports needed by adults with disabilities and their caregivers. This review has provided a comprehensive understanding of current services, and we will action the recommendations to make meaningful change in the lives of NWT residents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment.
Monsieur le President, as we enter the month of March, we recognize Rendezvous de la Francophonie. As the Minister responsible for the Official Languages Act, it is encouraging to see such awareness, involvement, and celebration of all of the Northwest Territories' 11 official languages.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rendezvous de la Francophonie, a celebration by Canada's ten million Frenchspeakers, and all Canadians, in recognition of French language and culture. This year, the theme is Celebrations, with a focus across the country on joy, festivities, gathering, and fun.
Monsieur le President, in the Northwest Territories we have much to celebrate. Last September, this government launched a Francophone stream of the Northwest Territories nominee program to attract foreign nationals to the NWT whose skills are aligned with workforce needs. This action of the 20172022 Immigration Strategy recognizes the contributions of Frenchspeaking immigrants to the strength and prosperity of our country and to the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of the Northwest Territories.
Celebrating and building our Francophone community also means developing government services, resources, and communications to serve them in French. The GNWT continues to make progress in this area. In 20212022, the GNWT translated a record high 3.27 million words into French. We also saw a record number of GNWT staff receiving the bilingual bonus for French, at 188 individuals. According to the 2022 Francophone Community Satisfaction Survey, 77 per cent of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of service they receive from the GNWT in French.
Monsieur le President, this is great progress, but we always strive to do better. This is why a thirdparty review of the strategic plan on French language communications and services occurs every five years. In September 2022, the public was invited to provide input on the strategic plan, and I thank all those who took the time to contribute. The thirdparty report and government response will be published in the coming months, before informing the development of the next strategic plan.
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Rendezvous de la Francophonie, I would like to recognize the Northwest Territories' vibrant Francoténoise community the people, businesses, and organizations who continue to be significant contributors to this territory’s social, economic, and cultural development. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for my statement today I am going to join my colleagues in talking about the various aspects of energy in the NWT. First, I want to mention an issue that has been brought up by several Members throughout this Assembly, including myself, and that issue is about the board of directors at the NTPC Power Corp.
Mr. Speaker, in May of 2016, the Minister at the time for NTPC had decided to dissolve NTPC's board of directors and replace the sixperson board with deputy ministers from various NWT departments. The rationale for that decision was to cut costs at NTPC and save $1 million per year. Well, it's now been seven years since that decision was made, and NTPC still has a board of directors consisting solely of deputy ministers, and it's unclear when an actual board of ordinary NWT residents will be restored.
Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important the board of directors for any corporation to be made up of a variety of individuals with unique backgrounds and skills that are relevant to the company they serve. It's also important for the board to be impartial and independent minded, which is not the case with the current board of deputy ministers at NTPC. I strongly hope to see a new board of directors appointed as soon as possible, and I hope when that finally happens that they will work together and will support the new president of NTPC.
Moreover, Mr. Speaker, I also want to reiterate my steadfast support for the expansion of the Talston hydro dam. This project has been a mandate item for the 19th Assembly, and I'm sure the work on that project will carry over into the 20th Assembly as well. The expansion of the Taltson will be instrumental for the Government of the Northwest Territories to achieve our emission targets within our 2030 Energy Strategy. I know there are some in this House who oppose this project, but I consider it an essential piece of infrastructure that will benefit the people of the NWT for the long term. Overall, Mr. Speaker, I hope to see our government move forward very soon with removing the current NTPC board of directors and replacing them with a group of people that are more representative of the diverse people of the NWT. I remain optimistic that the future members of the board will provide good direction and fresh ideas for NTPC to consider in the years ahead, and I'm sure the new NTPC president would also welcome a new board of directors as he leads the power corp towards achieving all the energyrelated mandate items that we created in this Assembly. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for NTPC Power Corp later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm offing today, so. Mr. Speaker, the North American Indigenous Games will take place in and around Halifax from July 15th to 23rd this summer, with a multitude of sports.
Mr. Speaker, many Indigenous athletes and volunteers from the Northwest Territories have been looking forward to taking part in this event and, for some, they now find their dreams may be dashed due to a requirement to show proof of vaccination. It's the role of the 2023 North American Indigenous Games host society board and staff to ensure the games follow all policies and requirements established by the North American Indigenous Games Council, including the vaccine requirement which they have made mandatory for participation in this event.
Mr. Speaker, some of our northern athletes and volunteers are questioning why it is that these games are open only to those that can show proof of vaccination, while the province of Nova Scotia, where the games will take place, states that, and I quote, "Proof of full vaccination is no longer required to participate in discretionary, nonessential events and activities that gather people together (like going to restaurants, movies, sports events, theatre performances, social events, and the gym)."
Mr. Speaker, I find it hard to believe that I am still speaking about COVID vaccination requirements considering gathering restrictions have been lifted throughout most of Canada and the United States. I would expect that the decision to include and implement such a policy would be based on science and would align with current public health guidelines and advice throughout Canada and the United States. We have seen many sporting events, such as the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship, the 2023 Arctic Winter Games, the Canada Winter Games, and the Ontario Hockey Federation, remove the restrictive COVID19 proof of vaccination requirements for participants.
Speaker, these individuals are aware that organizations, such as North American Indigenous Games, have the choice to implement their own vaccination policies. However, just as we had science to prove vaccinations worked and most complied, we have science saying it is not a reasonable requirement anymore and may even be subject to a Charter challenge. It is important we continue to embrace that science and move towards a collective approach in lifting vaccine requirements for events such as the North American Indigenous Games. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, not doing so will take away not only the dreams of our Indigenous youth but opportunities for each to rise as ambassadors, role models, professional athletes, and find success in future endeavors, all due to participating in sports. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All of us in this House swore allegiance to the King of England and, you know, some of us begrudgingly but, Mr. Speaker, there is one monarch we can all support, and that is the Snowking, Mr. Speaker. And I am happy to report, Mr. Speaker, that the snow castle is officially open today and thanks to the support of some generous MLAs, it is free for all Members to attend today. 28 years, they've been building the snow castle, Mr. Speaker. I encourage everyone to get down there, enjoy it. There's a great lineup of shows and events, lots of good concerts and fun for the whole family. So everyone, check out the snow castle and support the monarchy, Mr. Speaker.
Twenty eight years is a long time, Mr. Speaker. But it's not as long as another anniversary this year, which is 75 years ago we built the Snare hydro system, Mr. Speaker. And I'm going to have some questions for the Minister of Infrastructure on what we're doing as that crucial asset comes to its end of life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the relationship between the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the Government of the Northwest Territories is complex. However, it should not be. But we have made it complex by bringing the work of NTPC into the GNWT. The NTPC board should be an independent decisionmaking body that should be informed by experts who have knowledge of our region. Instead, it's being run by government deputy ministers and Cabinet. We currently have six deputy ministers sitting on the board, navigating this work off the side of their desks.
Mr. Speaker, the intent of an arm's length decisionmaking body is that it removes the political influence from major projects and operations. It allows for informed decisions that support residents, creates nonpolitical understanding of the capacity of our regions, and seeks partnerships that will create positive change to energy security efforts. However, that is not how we currently operate, Mr. Speaker. NTPC is facing an aging energy infrastructure and mounting operational debts. How can we tell our residents that NTPC's strategic decisions are being made with the best interests when Northerners continue to pay increased power rates? As the cost of maintaining and upgrading the energy infrastructure is so expensive, the current governance model does not allow for innovation or independence from government. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Members' statements. Member for Tu NedheWiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address a passionate issue that concerns us all. Our government has recently intended to raise the power rates to an unacceptable high level, placing undue burden on our hardworking families and businesses. However, I am pleased to inform you that this proposal has been stopped in its tracks by the public utilities board.
Mr. Speaker, before the Minister cries foul that it was the power corporation that pushed for this rate increase, this is arm's length from the Crown corporation. I will remind this House that the board of the power corporation is 100 percent GNWT public servants deputy ministers who take their instructions from the Premier. Whether this government likes it or not, the power corporation and the GNWT are one in the same. It is arm's length in name only.
In the GNWT 20192023 mandate, the MLAs made 24 recommendations. Recommendation 14: Reduce the cost of power and increase the use of alternative renewable energy.
In the third year of the 19th Assembly, the Minister responsible for the power corporation decided to increase the power rates, and that was a total surprise to my constituents, and all the residents in the NWT, with no consultation.
Let me be clear. The government proposal to increase power rates was unacceptable. It will have been harder for families to make ends meet and harder for businesses to operate in our communities. Our government should be doing everything in its power to help, not hinder the economic wellbeing of our citizens, and honour the mandate made in 20192023 not to increase power rates.
Thankfully, the public utilities board recognized the harmful impacts this proposal would have on our communities and put a stop to it. The board decision demonstrates the importance to have independent regulators who can hold the government accountable when necessary. As the elected representative of our communities, this would have been devastated by the greater shock. I want you to know that I will always stand up for the interests of our people, not the government and Crown corporation. I will fight against any proposal that will harm our families, businesses, our economy, and I will work to ensure that our government is transparent and accountable to the people.
Mr. Speaker, instead of raising the cost of power proposed that it won't be 20 percent over two years, the South Slave consumers, including my riding of Tu NedheWiilideh riding, the Government of the Northwest Territories oh, sorry, the government should focus their efforts on alternative renewable energy and to lower the cost of power. The high cost of power is impeding the NWT economic development, driving skilled workers out of the territory, shutting small businesses who cannot afford the government energy policy. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the public utilities board for their decision, and I want to thank the citizens of the Northwest Territories for their ongoing commitment to building a strong resilient and prosperous community. Together we can overcome any challenges that build a brighter future for us all. I would have questions for the Minister for NTPC at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Tu NedheWiilideh. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I made it clear in this House I oppose the use of the power corporation using power limiter devices during the cold winter months in my riding. Life in the Arctic Coast is harsh and expensive. Lack of heat can be life threatening. People who have the power limiters don't know when the power will be turned off and back on. It makes it impossible for them to heat their homes properly and feed and care for their families.
Under the NTPC terms of agreement, it states respect to the corporation's responsibility that continuous supply. The corporation cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. Mr. Speaker, the High Arctic communities, power is essential. It's survival. It's not acceptable. We need to be able to do better.
Mr. Speaker, I have also spoken in this House many times about the state of housing in Nunakput and living in public housing units, in matchbox houses, paperthin walls, snow blowing through cracks in windows, the walls and the doors; floors are freezing, people are having to put blankets on the floors to walk around and lock their doors and windows with blankets to keep the wind out. So many people are living in overcrowded housing units in my riding. Not even close to being energy efficient. Without enough maintenance to improve housing stock, it's very little opportunities of employment to earn income to pay for the power. Can I have we have to struggle with power limiters and paying our power bills. The government needs to extend to the High Arctic residents to get rid of the power limiters in winter months in the Nunakput riding.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank, too, the public utilities board that they didn't give 10 percent to the power increase to our ridings back home. It's 5 percent they increased it to so people, maybe they could try to survive. But thank you, power utilities board, for not taking that full 10 percent, what our GNWT government wanted to do today. And I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, climate change is impacting our ability to get fuel, food, and other resources into small communities. The winter road system we currently use is vulnerable to climate change. In fact, the winter road to Gameti opened on February 27th. This will most likely be one of the shortest winter road seasons on record. I have elders, contractors, and residents who do not feel that they can use the winter road systems due to the rapidly changing ice conditions. Some people do not feel safe.
Mr. Speaker, I don't blame these people because in the past I do not blame them because in the past we have had trucks and people fall into the ice. This is a major problem, Mr. Speaker. Our people, in small communities, risk being further isolated. This isolation will definitely drive the cost of living up even higher. The Tlicho AllSeason Road was an example of strategic infrastructure that supported the goals of our communities and helped to mitigate the impacts of climate change. An allseason road into Gameti will not only help address the impacts of climate change but also lower the cost of living for that community.
Mr. Speaker, this is a huge project, but work can be done in the short term to help map out where this road can travel. If the government works with the community, there can be important progress made in the development of this road. The Tlicho region has a deficit in our existing infrastructure, Mr. Speaker. If connecting Whati to the North Slave is the first step, then the next logical step would be to continue the road and transmission line to Gameti and eventually to Wekweeti. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Great Slave.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we know, building infrastructure across the million square kilometres that make up our territory is a huge challenge. From an economic point of view and from an efficiency standpoint, we should be looking to expand our infrastructure corridors to benefit communities and encourage investment in the territory wherever we can.
As often mentioned in this House, the NWT is largely dependent on diesel and gasoline for heating, electricity, and transportation. Yet, Mr. Speaker, we sit stalled on a renewable energy project that could connect more communities to renewable energy while supporting much needed industry investment in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, the Taltson Hydro System encompasses a water basin that has the potential to generate significantly more electricity than is currently being harnessed by the dam. We have a solution to our energy dilemma in our own backyard, but it is not being captured. We know, Mr. Speaker, that Osisko Metals, with their Pine Point mine, is already on the Talston grid, just waiting to purchase additional power if it was made available. And Mr. Speaker, Osisko Metals would be happy to buy even more power if it was available too. We know that the Snare Hydro System that powers Yellowknife is old. It operates close to capacity and is sensitive to water flow rates which can lead to shortfalls in supply leading to the use of fossil fuel generators to make up the difference.
Mr. Speaker, there is a need to connect these two hydro transmission lines. The Talston Hydro Expansion Project must move forward, connecting the hydro grids in the NWT and all the communities along the way. This includes the line to Whati.
Mr. Speaker, as I said, it is challenging and expensive to build infrastructure across our territory therefore we must plan the most efficient linear systems that we can.
The expansion of hydro and fibre optic line should follow our highway system. Not only would it be easier to construct the systems themselves without disturbing new areas, it would allow for cheaper development along the roadway to serve the people and communities they connect. Connecting people, communities, and businesses to renewable energy is a winwin for our territory, Mr. Speaker, and I strongly support the expansion of the Talston Hydro System. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Great Slave. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, open the GNWT's 2030 Energy Strategy and you find multiple suggested solutions to help reduce the territory's greenhouse gas emissions. Small wind turbines, the Inuvik wind turbine, liquified natural gas, solar, mini hydro, and transmission lines to connect grids, come together in this plan with promises of 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving our both energy solutions doesn't only get us closer to our GHG goals, it supports our collective economic goals through potential critical mineral industry expansion and our individual goal of affordable sustainable energy.
But, Mr. Speaker, it is not as easy as flipping a switch to bring these energy solutions online tomorrow. Adding a fleet of alternative energies takes time, investment, and a transition from our current energy source provided by NTPC.
Today, NTPC serves much of our energy needs led by its vision to enrich the lives of Northerners by providing power that encourages living, working, and investing in the NWT, and by its mission which is to generate, transmit, and to distribute clean, reliable, and affordable energy to the Northwest Territories.
NTPC currently uses net metering to allow customers and communities to install renewable energy projects and offset their power use. This is a good thing but with a huge catch, Mr. Speaker. NTPC's policies cap the amount of clean energy it will purchase at 20 percent of the electricity mix. Our own policies put a ceiling on the potential for residents, businesses, and local and Indigenous governments to reduce emissions. But without this policy, costs could be out of control.
NTPC's high base cost system means that one client decreases demand, thanks to renewable, that the remaining ratepayers are left to swallow the ballooning energy bill, Mr. Speaker.
For alternative energy solutions to grow and serve the NWT, NTPC needs a new policy and business foundation and a longterm plan. It must be able to provide affordable energy as the energy landscape in the NWT shifts away from diesel.
Mr. Speaker, in the length of this term, NTPC's board has been represented by the GNWT's deputy ministers capable people, but with competing focus and priorities. This board has not been able to fully achieve NTPC's vision and mission. NTPC's public governance structure needs to be reinstated with a goal of designing a creative, sustainable system eager to move into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. The review of mining royalties continues to grind along. Industry, Tourism and Investment released a discussion paper in February 2022. Public engagement closed at the end of July 2022, more than six months ago. A socalled "what we heard" report was finally released quietly during the Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver in late January.
The report attempts to summarize 13 submissions that appear to have been sent, 11 online and two written submissions. Those written submissions are actually appended and consist of a detailed 12page letter from Alternatives North and a twopage letter from the Chamber of Mines criticizing Alternatives North. No details are provided on any of the other submissions.
Three types of engagement seem to have been undertaken.
Submissions could be sent by email.
Requests could be made of ITI for meetings, and ITI initiated some "targeted engagement" which appears to have been 25 secret meetings with the mining industry.
There were also 21 different surveys open only to those holding prospecting licenses. No data from these surveys is compiled or presented in the "what we heard" report. It's not clear why these surveys were only open to those holding prospecting licenses.
Ironically, the first item in the report on the targeted engagement, those secret meetings with the mining industry, is called "transparency and confidentiality." Public trust and the need for a lot more public disclosure are mentioned. Again, rather ironic that this was discussed at meetings that ITI held secretly with the mining industry.
I tabled the presentations from those secret meetings I obtained under access to information last week. Then there is a classic statement that "the public release of total royalties and production information is not seen as an issue going forward." What? All we're going to get out of this royalty review is the public reporting of separate resource revenues for mining and petroleum?
Quebec already has a minebymine public disclosure of royalties paid. Many countries already release this kind of data as part of their public reporting and all we can do is separate mining and petroleum royalties? Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Merci, Monsier le President. To be fair, the document only says that the views gathered will be thrown into a hopper and combined with some financial modeling and other research and analysis to form policy options for future regulations.
The Yukon government recently started its review of mining legislation being done collaboratively with Yukon First Nations. There is a discussion paper with policy options that I tabled in the House. Public meetings open to everyone, Mr. Speaker We could learn a lot from their better engagement process.
I will have questions later today for the Minister of mining on the status of the royalty regime review and when the public will be engaged again. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today it saddens me to stand in this House and speak about the passing of a wellknown man from the community of Fort Simpson.
John Moreau was a hard worker, told it like it was, and was an honest businessman. I watched him work and his commitment to his work was excellent. Nothing was too small or too big for him to take on.
John was born and raised in Winnipeg, a '50s greaser that use to race Tbirds down the Pembina Highway. John was always a very independent man who raised his children with his wife Louisa, who were married for 54 years.
John was an avid traveler who went from New York, Vegas, Nova Scotia, to Alaska and heard about the Yellowknife gold mines in Edmonton. In true John fashion, he hopped on a plane to Vancouver, got his explosive technician training, and headed to Yellowknife to work and this is where he met the love of his life Louisa Tsetso.
John and Louisa decided to go back to Fort Simpson for a twoweek visit and, as the stories go, they never left. John had many business ventures in Fort Simpson since the '60s with line lopping, gas stations, arcade, and various construction businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I can tell you there wasn't a house, roof, door, and fence he hadn't touched or looked at in Fort Simpson. John was a selftaught carpenter.
Mr. Speaker, John was a good listener, advocate for fairness, amazing family supporter, avid golfer, and dart player. I had the pleasure of golfing with him and his wife a few times throughout the golf seasons. I can tell you, like everything else in his life, he was willing to share and tell stories that engaged you.
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to visit him about two weeks before he passed away. I can tell you he spoke a lot about his children and how proud he was of them. He loved the fact that they were all independent, hardworking, and had strong family values. He talked about his son taking over the business and him being able to work with both his sons. He spoke about his daughters being successful in their adventures in life, whether it was competing at a national dart tournament to operating a successful business or making life choices. He spoke about how proud he was of his grandchildren and the things that they were doing and accomplishing. As he said to me, his children and grandchildren were Louisa's and his legacies.
Mr. Speaker, when it came to his wife, he was very proud of her. He spoke about how she was willing to share her traditional knowledge with their children and others in the community. When it came to getting help to look after moosehide, from the very beginning to the end of the project Louisa was the person to contact.
Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that he will be sadly missed by his friends and family. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community at this time.
Colleagues, I am pleased to recognize a group of legislative interns visiting us from Ontario. They are here this week to learn more about our consensus form of government. With us today is Alia Mufti, Esma Boztas, Karissa Singh, Leah Wilson, Lucas Fisher, Sharon Lee, Sky Shi, Sophie Williams, Teah UMing, and Administrative team member Michael Vidoni.
Please join me in welcoming them to our proceedings. And I hope you enjoy your week here at our beautiful legislature. Thank you.
Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Range Lake constituent Ms. Samantha Stuart. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I was going off of power limiters and, you know, state of housing in my riding in Nunakput. Today, Mr. Speaker, it's minus 39 in Sachs Harbour, 30 in Paulatuk, minus 42 in Ulukhaktok, and minus 41 in Tuktoyaktuk.
Mr. Speaker, what work is the NTPC undertaking to address issues of power limiters, especially to the residents in the High Arctic; what has the Minister done? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation puts limiters on houses and anybody that has overdue accounts. So if you have an outstanding account that's 28 days after the billing, then the corporation may give notice of disconnection of service in writing to the customer. Where accounts are not paid before the expiration of such notice, then, you know, we work with the customer and perhaps have to install a limiting device. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what has the Minister accomplished in the life of the Assembly to bring down of the cost of the power in Nunakput riding? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
