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.
