Daryl Dolynny

Even if we’re using the term “stabilization,” it’s still a form of a hedging because we’re balancing out those prices. Should this hedging concept produce even greater savings per litre with a new summer bulk purchase program and should fuel prices remain the same or stabilize, does the Minister see further reduction of the price per litre being passed on to the residents in these communities? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On February 6, 2015, the Minister of Public Works and Services announced an immediate fuel savings of eight to nine cents per litre in 16 communities that it serves. This is indeed great news for these NWT residents and I applaud the government for finally capturing the recent lower fuel prices by passing on such savings and helping to lower the cost of living for our Northerners. However, upon further analysis, I do have questions for the Minister.

Can the Minister indicate by what methodology did Public Works and Services come up with the eight to nine cents per litre...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today in my Member’s statement, I want to highlight an important event that is taking place tomorrow and that is International Open Data Day.

[Translation] Mr. Speaker, this makes it possible to have online information public in an easy format to be used. [Translation ends]

...encourages innovation and citizens’ participation that has lasting positive results for our communities. Around the world, individuals and organizations have used open data to deliver meaningful projects that the public service either hasn’t considered before or doesn’t have the resources to do...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister’s reply there. Some jurisdictions in North America are stockpiling fuel at today’s market price. Some are renting extra storage and realizing that these fuel savings trump storage costs.

If this is indeed the case, can the Minister indicate if his department is considering doing the same to keep stretching these savings to the residents? Thank you.

From the Minister’s own words, it sounds like some of this fuel is not yet in the community and it appears that the PWS fuel services’ buying strategy is using some form of hedging that they are applying and passing to the customers. This strategy would suggest that these fuel savings would extend well into next season’s bulk purchases as well.

Can the Minister elaborate? Are these fuel price savings being hedged over a two-year window? Thank you.

Thank you, committee. Page 205, community social programs, active positions, information item. Any questions?

Thank you, committee. Page 217, funding allocated to health and social service authorities, information item. Any questions?

I have no questions.

Thank you, Ms. DeLancey. Mr. Moses.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Committee, again we’re on page 203, community social programs, operations expenditure summary, $28.199 million. Does committee agree?