Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in 1997, the final report of the Mackenzie Basin Impact Study concluded that the plant and animal life, lakes and rivers, forest industry and communities across the north will face drastic changes in upcoming years if steps are not taken to reduce the effects of global warming. The negative effects of the greenhouse effect are more evident where temperatures have been rising. For example, frozen soil or permafrost is starting to melt or weaken in many areas. As a result the surface becomes softer and if there is infrastructure such as roads or buildings on top of it, the consequences can be very real. Roads may collapse, buildings and homes will start to sink. As we all are aware, barges are a cost-effective form of resupply that may be compromised. The number of forest fires in the west may most likely increase and drought may also result from low lake levels. This is just the beginning.

With significant changes in the weather in such a short period, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut need to take preventative and coordinated action at national and international levels to reduce the potential consequences arising from global warming. Unfortunately, according to the aforementioned report, initiatives at the local level may most likely compromise little.

Mr. Speaker, there is a need to make an effective and concentrated effort by both territorial governments and the federal government to bring attention to this impact and important issues that affect all of us. Increased attention and efforts at all levels is needed for the effective strategy to stem the damage from global warming. Mr. Speaker, this statement I make today also reflects the studies that have been done in the high Arctic in my riding, which are affecting the global warming, and the studies will be used to find out if the global warming is really happening. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause