Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, scientists are telling us that the build up of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels is causing our atmosphere to warm up. Our own observations and experience are telling us that changes are occurring to our weather and environment that we have never experienced before.

Last December, representatives from more than 160 countries met in Kyoto, Japan to discuss this global problem. After ten days of tough negotiations, agreement was reached on a legally binding protocol. It states that industrialized countries are to reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2 percent over the next 15 years. Canada's target is a six percent reduction from 1990 levels by the year 2013.

In April, I had the privilege of co-chairing a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Energy and Environment Ministers to further discussions in Kyoto. Collectively, we agreed to proceed on two key issues. We agreed on a process for developing Canada's National Implementation Strategy - one that is based on collaborative government leadership and shared responsibility. We also agreed to strengthen and encourage voluntary actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions, Mr. Speaker, will not be easily achieved. A recent forecast conducted by my department indicates that in the Northwest Territories alone, if action is not taken, emissions could be 30 percent higher in 15 years time. That figure could be even higher with the development of our oil and gas reserves.

There is no doubt that climate change is an important global issue and other countries, the federal government, provinces and territories must each do their part to address it, but we must remain realistic.

Reducing the Northwest Territories' emissions to meet Canada's national target will have significant impacts on our developing economy. We must address global warming in such a way that no region is asked to bear an unreasonable burden. It is also important that our national and regional economies are not significantly impacted.

Participants have been asked to report on progress at the next Energy and Environmental Ministers' meeting this fall. It is my intention to immediately begin developing a strategic framework for action in consultation with appropriate agencies, municipalities and industry to help control northern greenhouse gas emissions. With a balanced approach, the framework will guide our participation in this important national process. Mahsi cho.

--Applause