Yellowknife, NWT – The Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources is in Whati Tuesday after meeting with stakeholders in Yellowknife Monday.
Senators, including the NWT’s Nick Sibbeston are hearing from industry executives, politicians and the representatives from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
They’re putting together a report on how the three territories can better assist companies involved in natural resources extraction.
BC Senator Richard Neufeld is the chair of the committee.
“What we’re doing is a study in the northern territories on the cost of development of its vast natural resources. Some of the largest impediments is the cost of electricity and the lack of infrastructure to actually develop those natural resources, which would mean huge economic development for the Northwest Territories.”
Neufeld says power is key.
He agrees the territory should pursue alternative energy sources such as wind and solar.
However, Neufeld says the NWT will continue to use diesel for years to come and anyone thinking it won’t is being unrealistic.
The report will go to the House of Commons either late this year or early in 2015.
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