Last December Yukoners learned that yet another capital project managed by this Yukon Party government was over budget.

Yukoners were informed not by the Minister but by the President of the Yukon Energy Corporation that the new LNG facility being built in Whitehorse was $6.4 million or 18% over budget.  We can add this to a long list of projects that have cost more than they were supposed to under this government’s not so watchful eye.  The new estimated cost is $42.9 million.

When I raised this question in the legislature this week the Minister refused to accept any responsibility for this major cost overrun.

Mr. Silver:   Mr. Speaker, I have another question for the Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources. The Yukon has depended on diesel fuel for energy production for many years. We have also known for many years that the now 45-year-old diesel generators would be in need of replacement. There was plenty of time for the government to research and to understand the different options available to provide this backup energy.

Why did it take the government so long to initiate a plan to replace the aging diesel generators, therefore eliminating some very valuable options?