Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, climate change is considered one of the most serious environmental, economic and political challenges of this century. The impact of climate change on the Arctic and especially on people with traditional lifestyles is a major concern for all of us. Northern regions are already seeing the effects of a changing climate.

As Members are aware, climate change is caused by the build up of greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. Today, I will be tabling a draft strategy which proposes actions to help us begin controlling the emission of greenhouse gases in the Northwest Territories.

While the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development had the privilege of coordinating the development of the NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy, this is not a Government of the Northwest Territories strategy. Mr. Speaker, more than 40 federal and territorial agencies, aboriginal organizations, industry and environmental groups participated in the development of the strategy. This is a strategy proposing action by all sectors in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, public education is a major theme in the draft NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy. The recent opening of the NWT Climate Change Centre in the Arctic Energy Alliance's Yellowknife office is an example of a measure proposed in the strategy to raise public awareness. The NWT Climate Change Centre will play a pivotal role in educating people and building an understanding of the effects of climate change in the North.

The strategy also proposes the development of the Renewable Energy Technology Conversion Assistance Program to increase public awareness, confidence and acceptance of renewable energy systems. The proposed program is also designed to expand the renewable energy supply industry in the NWT, and to reduce long-term dependencies on fossil fuel and emissions of greenhouse gases.

These are just two examples of actions we could take to help control greenhouse gas emissions. Many more are identified in the draft strategy. I invite everyone to review the strategy and to provide comments and feedback on these actions. I also encourage all NWT residents to take personal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of those involved in developing this strategy and to thank the participants whose significant commitment of time and effort has guided the development of the draft Greenhouse Gas Strategy.

-- Applause