David Krutko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, the perfect solution will be to have hydro power in all of our communities. We all have similar rates and everybody pays the same price. Because of the system we have today, we have three different rate systems. We go through a PUB process. I think the system itself has to be looked at. Again, that is something that we are hoping to bring forward to the incoming government, 16th Assembly, so they can have a debate and also come forward through the strategy, through the homes that we are working on, further transitional document...

Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled Workers’ Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut 2006 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the challenge that we face is because we have such a small customer base by 40,000 people and trying to have the infrastructure and the cost to operate that infrastructure burdened by that 40,000, you have to find new customers. Again, you look at other provinces across the country and Quebec, Manitoba, B.C., who have developed their hydro industry around the export of power. As the North moves forward, we will have to consider that as a means of generating new revenues. We are looking at other revenue sources, such as I mentioned, the diamond mines...

Yes, Mr. Chairman. I will commit to that.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, with regard to improving the wording in legislation and making it easier to understand, I think that this clause in there definitely states that in regards to reviewing an individual’s case, you should consider looking at it in light of the hearing from the client but, more importantly, prescribing to be in favour of the client ensuring that when reviewing those cases you are, hopefully, improving this legislation and the wording. The wording that was there previously was somewhat similar but this goes just a little further, so it is an improvement for...

Thank you. Mr. Chair, I’ll have Mr. Doyle answer the question.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the Members for their comments. I think it is important that we did build that working relationship. I think there have been several steps to this process. As we know, this process has been going on for some time in regards to the act. Now, the committee hearings that took place back during the 12th Assembly coming forward. Also, I would like to commend the Auditor General in regards to her staff and the work they did in regards to reviewing and assessing the workings of the Workers’ Compensation Board, but also in regards to the...

Yes, Mr. Chair.

Yes I do.