Iqaluit MLA makes case for hydroelectric power

Iqaluit-Tasiluk MLA George Hickesis hopingto see Nunavutend its dependence on diesel power plants.

"I don't think it's any secret that I've been a strong proponent of moving forward on a proposed hydroelectric project near Iqaluit," he told Nunavut's legislative assembly May 27, the second day of the legislature's spring sitting.

Hickes arguedthe time is right for hydroelectricpower andbuilt a case on two pillars.

First, he said, the drop in world oil prices will mean more money in the territory's pocket. Second, Hickes says arecent federal increase of Nunavut's debt cap means more borrowing power for public projects.

Qulliq Energy Corporation Minister Keith Peterson saidit's not that straightforward.

"We have to put business cases together forthe Government of Canada to investin Nunavut. As a government, we simply can't afford megaprojects in Nunavut," he said.

Peterson adds onedelay is because authorities are considering two possible building sites.

South Baffin MLA David Joanasie saidfrustrated communities are stuck with aging power plants. Using Cape Dorset as an example, he said the "community has run out of patience with the endless delays."

In September of2014, Qulliq Energy Corporation CEO Peter Ma spoke to a legislative assembly standing committee. Then, he explained that replacing the territory's aging power plants could cost at least three times what was originally budgeted.

A response from the standing committee to Ma's testimony is expected to be tabled during the spring sitting of the legislature, which runs until June 2.

Arviat South MLA Joe Savikataaq hada different approach for the Kivalliq's power woes.

He wants Nunavut to work out a deal to tap into Manitoba's hydroelectric power grid.