Mr. Speaker, on Monday I met with fellow federal, provincial and territorial Energy and Environment Ministers in Halifax to discuss Canada's approach to addressing climate change. Federal Environment Minister David Anderson and Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal outlined the key elements of the federal plan for meeting Canada's Kyoto greenhouse gas emission target. This meeting was the first opportunity for provincial and territorial Ministers to get clarification on these key elements and to discuss the need for further consultations with Canadians.
I would like say a few words on what this plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions means to the residents of the Northwest Territories. First, Canada assured us that there will be an increasing need for natural gas and a Mackenzie Valley pipeline in a Kyoto world. Second, Canada recognizes that there will be costs for programs to reduce emissions and is prepared to make funding available in a phased approach over the next 10 years. Third, in the words of the federal government, the results of their economic analysis indicate that the overall economic impact is modest.
However, the cost to this government and northern business of taking actions to meet Canada's emission reduction obligations remains largely unknown. In the North we are already paying for the cost of a changing climate. For example, winter resupply seasons have shortened and the melting permafrost is affecting building and road foundations. We have been assessing the federal government's economic forecasts of impacts. With the release of these key elements we can complete our assessment.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that all Ministers agree climate change is a challenge that must be addressed. Ministers further agreed to, once again, work together to develop a truly national implementation plan. Over the next three weeks officials will revise the federal framework to address deficiencies and develop a national plan that fits within the principles agreed to by the provinces and territories. We remain confident that Canada can meet its emission reduction target within the time frame set out by Kyoto.
In Halifax, I stressed that the plan must protect our economic interests while striving to improve them. It must reassure businesses by reducing uncertainty. Minister Dhaliwal confirmed that the federal government has the same objectives.
Energy and Environment Ministers agreed to meet again in late November to review the national implementation plan. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Canada will lead discussions on the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol that will bring developing countries under the agreement to reduce their emissions.
Mr. Speaker, the people of the Northwest Territories agree that we must address climate change. As a territory we are developing an energy strategy and greenhouse gas strategy to control our emissions of greenhouse gases. Northerners cannot deal with climate change alone. We need all Canadians to be engaged and our preference is that a national plan is developed within the context of the global Kyoto Protocol. Mahsi.