Bob McLeod

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time this afternoon I will be tabling two documents detailing this government’s work to promote community gardens and the Small Scale Food Program in the Northwest Territories.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment began this initiative two years ago with financial support from the Canada–Northwest Territories Agriculture Policy Framework Agreement. Under the Canada–Northwest Territories Agriculture Policy Framework Agreement a total of $1.7 million was invested in agricultural projects in the NWT over five years, including programs in science and...

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize Ms. Ruby Trudel, a Yellowknife South constituent. Nice to see you here.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time this afternoon, as the Chair of the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee, I will table this government’s Energy Priorities Framework.

This document outlines the priority actions that we need to undertake to address our short and long term energy needs. Our initiatives are presented in five key action areas as set out in the 2007 NWT Energy Plan:

energy conservation and efficiency;

alternative energy and emerging technologies;

energy development and supply;

energy policy and planning; and

reducing the Government of the Northwest Territories’ own energy use.

He...

I wish to table the following document entitled Energy Priorities Framework, Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee.

Document 95-16(2), Energy Priorities Framework, Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee, tabled.

Mr. Speaker, our government’s new Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy officially took effect on September 2, 2008. This policy, which is known as the SEED policy, was developed in response to a major review of the department’s business programs completed in 2006.

One of the key themes that emerged from our review was that GNWT business programs should provide a chance for growth, employment and self-sufficiency to a wider scope of businesses outside of the Northwest Territories’ major centres.

We heard that our programs should focus on the needs of our clients, work more...

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the management of FSC Architects and Engineers for being named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

This architecture and engineering company, proven leaders and innovators in cold climate and remote location building, are now also proven leaders in employment. Committed to providing top level service to their clients, FSC owners concluded that this same service should be provided to their most important company assets: their staff. Management has worked hard to ensure that their staff has benefits that meet or exceed industry...

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Warren McLeod and Jerry Jaud, principals of FSC Architects and Engineers, one of Canada’s top 100 employers.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Business People Working for Other Business People, Business Development and Investment Corporation Corporate Plan 2008–2009.

Document 91-16(2), Business People Working for Other Business People, Business Development and Investment Corporation Corporate Plan 2008–2009, tabled.

I can advise the Member that with regard to rebates for wood stoves we’re increasing the rebate to $400 from $300. As well, for wood pellet heating furnaces we’re increasing the rebates to $700 for pellet furnaces and $1,000 for pellet boilers.

As far as government departments, all government departments are involved in developing energy conservation measures. We will be rolling them out as part of the business planning process.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee coordinates all the energy initiatives for the government, because energy consumption crosses all departmental lines.

We do have a program that’s been in place starting last year. It’s a program to assist homeowners and consumers so that they can replace products that are in everyday use and reduce their costs by improving their energy consumption.