Glen Abernethy

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. First I’ll go to Premier Roland and then I’ll go to Minister McLeod. Premier Roland.

I was wondering if the Premier could tell me what business opportunity he’s talking about. I was under the impression that the whole business case of the Taltson expansion was based on selling power to diamond mines, of which I understand that the diamond mines haven’t signed any power purchasing agreements or anything like that. So who are these business opportunities and these new mining ventures that exist? Thank you.

Thank you, Premier Roland. Mr. Krutko, for clarity.

It starts on page 5, but before we get started we’ll take a short break. Thank you, Members.

---SHORT RECESS

The Premier and Cabinet must do what is right, just, and for the public good, not the good of one company and their bottom line. This government must take control of our utilities and start building for the future. I will be asking the Premier questions at the appropriate time.

Thank you, Ms. Melhorn. Mr. Krutko.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. All the Members have had the opportunity to make general comments. The Premier and Minister have responded. Is committee agreed that we have concluded general comments?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There has been a significant amount of discussion regarding the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project over the last couple of months. My colleague Mr. Bromley made a clear, concise and reasonable statement on March 3, 2010, encouraging this government to take control of its utilities, the utilities it owns, and start building for the future. I couldn’t agree more.

There is merit in the Taltson hydro expansion. The project will provide some short-term economic stimuli during the construction and reduce the burning of diesel in mines and hopefully extend mine life or open up new...

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. Premier Roland.

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. That’s all the Members on my list. I will now go to Premier Roland for a response to the general comments. Mr. Roland.