Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Ministers have agreed to a process to address the need to develop a National Implementation Strategy on climate change as of the target date. As to when we are going to finish that, I cannot tell the Member at this time. I do know that we are also looking at establishing some way of giving credit for early action by companies in the private sector on most reduced greenhouse gas emissions. We are looking at ways to strengthen and support voluntary action. We want, as well, to engage in a national public education program on climate change. Most school children today are aware of the looming problem we have on global climate change. They are, I think, in need of a national program that would help focus and streamline the discussion and help focus on public attention on this very significant issue. I should tell the Member that the Northwest Territories emissions are only about one half of one percent of the national total. Our emissions are expected to continue to increase much faster than the national average. A forecast prepared by our department indicates that emissions could be 30 percent higher than of the 1990 levels by 2003 if more oil and gas developments proceed. We know that reducing emissions to 6 percent below 1990 rates will have significant impact on the north's economic growth. For instance, if we said that there should be no significant increase in the greenhouse gas emission levels in the north as of today, we will not be able to allow any mines to go into production at this time. Thank you.
Stephen Kakfwi on Question 561-13(5): Strategy To Address Global Climate Change
In the Legislative Assembly on May 27th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 561-13(5): Strategy To Address Global Climate Change
Question 561-13(5): Strategy To Address Global Climate Change
Item 6: Oral Questions
May 26th, 1998
Page 1445
See context to find out what was said next.