Bob Bromley

If the Taltson plant is still owned by the Power Corporation — and, of course, that means it has been paid for by our citizens through their power rates and so on — is it likely that their power rates will directly benefit from any sale of additional power, such as to commercial enterprises?

I appreciate those comments. I’m wondering if the Public Utilities Board — and this again is following up on my questions earlier — has any comments on the structuring of the Hydro Corporation in relation to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the Energy Corporation. Are they commenting on that, and what is your perspective on that restructuring?

Perhaps I wasn’t talking so much about changing the Public Utilities Board as giving them a voice so that we can be fully informed. I think we are doing a review of the Power Corporation, or at least recognize the need for it. Where is the voice of the Public Utilities Board here?

That leads me to my final question. The last Assembly adopted, I believe it’s called, the NWTEC, Northwest Territories Energy Corporation, or something like that, that’s now the umbrella organization. How does that corporation fit with the responsibilities of the Power Corporation and protecting our consumers, working...

I would like to acknowledge that there are many issues that the Power Corp is struggling with. There are some of the increasing efficiencies we’ve learned about and that are becoming available technically that make it harder to service the capital the Power Corp has to look after.

I think there could have been a much more innovative response to this and more innovative or progressive adoption of this technology.

Given this and the Minister’s comments, would he commit to starting a thorough and independent review of the Power Corporation which would include a possible restructuring to address all...

Would you commit to doing this in 2009?

I thank the Minister for those comments. I realize that’s probably a prudent approach, but I think the opportunity is there for at least some. Again, I’m not suggesting that we try and do this for every house. This is not new technology; it’s off the shelf. This was adopted a couple years ago by the City of Yellowknife. There’s lots of expertise available in this area. As the Minister has noted, other provincial and municipal jurisdictions have been doing this across the country. There’s not much engineering work that’s required here. This is really off the shelf.

I’d just like to encourage or...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My fingernails are still recovering from my work trying to get the government to do that. I’m very well aware of that $500,000. In fact, I acknowledged that clearly in my statement earlier today, and I’m very appreciative of that.

What we’re talking about here is revenue dollars from the lottery. I would like to hear the Minister commit to put some attention into considering that arts be included in the beneficiaries of those lottery dollars, as per the request of people throughout the Northwest Territories. I’m not saying scoop it all. I recognize the importance of our...

Thanks to the Minister for those comments. I don’t actually disagree that sports is a good place for revenues to go, but there is an additional need, still, for support for our arts and cultural programs.

As I mentioned in my statement, almost every jurisdiction in Canada does do that — provide some of their support to arts and culture. As well, most other jurisdictions provide dollars directly to sports programs. They don’t just rely on the lottery revenues.

I’d like to find out how we can get this done. How can we modify this program? This is input from the public. It’s not something I’m...

I would like to recognize Shad Turner. He gave us a beautiful rendition of our national anthem. Also, Mr. Paul Andrews, another Weledeh resident. Welcome to the House.

Nothing further. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.