MLAs press on progress on Kugluktuk power plant
Qulliq Energy Corp. currently in negotiations with Kitikmeot Corp. for design and build of new power plant
Kugluktuk MLA Bobby Anavilok and Arviat-South MLA Joe Savikataaq were looking for more information about the progress of a new power plant in Kugluktuk. (Photo by Dustin Patar)
Two MLAs pushed for answers Thursday in the legislative assembly about a power plant for Kugluktuk that should have been built in 2021.
Kugluktuk MLA Bobby Anavilok and Arviat-South MLA Joe Savikataaq grilled John Main, the minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corp., for updates to the project and its tendering process.
Qulliq Energy Corp. announced plans in 2018 to build a new power plant for the Kitikmeot community. There have been numerous delays since then, caused partly by two tenders where bidders went over budget.
Kugluktuk’s power plant was built more than 50 years ago, in 1968. Its life expectancy was 40 years.
In 2018, Qulliq Energy Corp. said the current plant poses fire, safety and environmental risks. Its 1.5-kilometre fuel supply line also does not comply with current codes and regulations.
Anavilok asked for an update on the negotiations between Qulliq Energy Corp. and Kitikmeot Corp. to design and build the plant.
Main said he did not want to go too much into details on negotiations and “overshare” but he did say Qulliq Energy Corporation is “frustrated” the project hasn’t advanced to date.
“The work with Kitikmeot Corp. is ongoing,” he said.
“I can say we’re hopeful this will mean Kugluktuk will finally start to see movement on this project and go toward a more reliable, cleaner and safer power supply for this community.”
Savikataaq added to the discussion, asking why Qulliq Energy Corp. picked Kitikmeot Corp. for the project.
Main did add that Qulliq Energy Corp. is using the value of “qanuqtuurniq,” which means seeking solutions. Qanuqtuurniq is one of the values in this government’s mandate, he said.
“We know Kugluktuk residents are tired [of waiting] and that’s why we are utilizing qanuqtuurniq,” Main said.
Main also made the point that Qulliq Energy Corp.’s deal with Kitikmeot Corp. is through a negotiated contract and not a sole source contract.
How will Kitikmeot Corp’s involvement lead to lower power rates?
Is Minister Main even aware of the need for cheaper power in Nunavut or is he just bent on fluffing the old boys club at the Territory’s expense?
Can someone please tell me why Mr.Savikataaq seems eager to make Mr. Main’s life hell?
It wasn’t long ago he was grilling him on Health Department issue.
Is he trying to prove something to his constituent before the election?
I read all the Nunavut Legislative handsets top to bottom. I have ears and eyes of a hawk when watching all the sittings televised on TV. MLA Savikataaq and Hickes” questions fall on deaf ears and almost never answered. If I were an MLA, and I’m glad I’m not, I would keep on asking minister G, J, both As until answers start coming out. Young inexperience leader is telling the beginners to stay away from these old timers. Minister M represents same community as Joe so John is part of PJs big boys club along with Minister J -personal buddy- Minister G -NS best friend- Minister A -uncle are running the show. You bet I expect to see things change after the next election. Good show guys!
Can someone please tell me why Mr.Savikataaq seems eager to make Mr. Main’s life hell?
Perhaps Mr Main should start to answer questions. Not only Mr. Main but why do these ministers not like to give straight answers? MG just talks about nothing and reads from her laptop when she gets asked, but at least that’s a little effort she pits into. So instead of getting upset with questions, stop taking their questions as a threat and just go with the flow. Ministers or even regular MLAs can’t hide the truth, remember every single word is documented and recorded and we can easily go back to it and read it like the Bible.
What experience does the Kitikmeot Corporation have in designing and building Power Plants. Have they ever done this before?
How the heck did Kitikmeot Corporation get this contract? They have never built one before.
Tbe only experience they have in this was parentmcompany of Kitnuna Group of Companies and we all remember how they handled that one. Promised at KIA AGN that things were in trouble but they had a Plan. Then 3 weeks after the AGM they declared bankruptcy
DAM THE COPPERMINE RIVER, JUST LIKE IN QUEBEC, CREATE A MANAGEABLE ECO SYSTEM IN THE DELTA , CREATING 100s OF JOBS FOR THE LOCALS …,,AND HAVE CLEAN AND AFFORDABLE ENERGY INCORPORATING ALONG WITH SOLAR AND A WIND FARM . What a dream….
Looking at KC’s website this does not appear to be what they do? Is this going to KC or one of their listed companies like Nunami Stantec? And if that’s the case, while its being said this is not sole sourcing, isn’t KC then just sole sourcing to one of their own companies after that? Presumably no money to remain in the North as is typical, but to be fair few if any true northern companies would touch something like power plants, if any due to the technical nature of it.
Id like to know how in the world KC is planning to do this cheaper than the other bidders that came in over budget that the article mentions. Costs have not gone down after COVID. If QEC is so frustrated perhaps they should be putting in a bigger budget if every bidder came in high. Perhaps its QEC who cant budget, not the bidders are too high.
Now I know why they overpaid and bought up all the houses in Kug.. Wow Wow Wow a good journalist would love that story.
As far as I know they bought three houses. 2 were from families who had or were moving away, and the other was a house that had been for sale for years. Have they bought others? And how do you know how much they paid?