Mr. Speaker, during the last session I indicated that I would provide a comprehensive report on the status of the proposed Strategy to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions. That report was sent to Members in January of this year. I also indicated that I would keep Members informed of progress as we work towards developing a made-in-the-north strategy.
I am pleased to announce that significant progress has been achieved during the last two months. A steering committee has been established to direct the overall development of the strategy. Members of the steering committee include deputy ministers from this government as well as representation from the federal government, aboriginal organizations and the private sector. In February, 1999, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development hosted a workshop of climate change. Thirty-two representatives attended that workshop.
The participants supported this government's efforts to develop a northern strategy that will help Canada in its efforts to meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Mr. Speaker, it is expected that a working committee will be established this month to begin research on the subject of greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy will be completed by the fall of 1999 in order to be considered as part of the National Implementation Plan.
At the same time, the Arctic Energy Alliance is preparing an energy strategy as part of its business plan. The work by the Alliance, as well as the work coming out of the Greenhouse Gas Strategy and Canada's National Strategy Process, will provide valuable information for completion of an energy strategy for the Western Territory. A decision on the completion of a government energy strategy should await the findings of the Greenhouse Gas Strategy. I will keep Members informed of progress made on our efforts to prepare a Northwest Territories Strategy to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Thank you.