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.
