Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That information is available on the website for the Member’s ease of reference.

One of the issues that the Member talks about meeting with the Yellowknives, which we’re prepared to do. At the same time we have the Dene Nation telling us that they’re acting on behalf of the Yellowknives. There’s some confusion that has to be cleared up in terms of who we are dealing with and has the decision-making authority to resolve this issue. We have our staff who have been, and continue to be, willing to sit down any time of the day or night to try to sort this out.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled NWT Biomass Energy Strategy and Beverage Container Program, Annual Report, 2008-2009.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are a number of options like those available for a number of different facets of this project. They key for us now, though, is to get the project stabilized, get the funding sorted out and flowing so that we can, in fact, conclude this project, and do as Minister McLeod indicated, a review, and see where that information and review would take us in terms of next steps, once we’re past the immediate challenge and imperative, which is to get this project stabilized. Thank you.

I think everybody would like to have this resolved as soon as possible. One of the issues is the Dene Nation has come forward with this and they want confirmation that they are speaking on behalf of the chiefs on this issue. The suggestion was to each identify a person or staff member to be able to sit down and start negotiating some of the outstanding issues. We’re involved in that process at this point.

Mr. Speaker, what I would suggest to the Member is that I will share the list with him and he can give us his advice. He is far more familiar with the sites than I would be. Then we could, if it’s the wish of the Member, we could set up a meeting with the department officials to get an update for both of his communities. Thank you.

Mr. Chairman, the project management, as it is now set up to involve the territorial government, is going to continue on. The corporate structure that is currently there will continue until we sort out the implications of our discussions with lenders. But the project management is now fully and firmly going to be run by the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Transportation. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the Northwest Territories Biomass Energy Strategy.

Biomass energy is renewable energy derived from organic plant materials produced by photosynthesis. Essentially, it is solar energy stored in the mass of trees and plants. Biomass energy is available in the NWT in the form of wood and wood pellets.

An increased use of wood and wood pellets as an alternative source of energy supports the Government of the Northwest Territories goal of an environment that will sustain present and future generations.

Given the increasing cost of heating our homes and...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a list which I’d be happy to share with the Member. I believe there are six sites in Fort Resolution all assessed as low risk and there’s another seven in Lutselk’e all assessed, as well, as low risk.

Yes, Mr. Chairman.