Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The committee met with the Minister and his staff on April 9, 2008, to consider the department’s 2008–2009 Draft Main Estimates. The committee noted that the total operating budget for 2008–2009 is $56.942 million. Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the ’08–09 Draft Main Estimates.
Reductions to Forest Management
There were significant reductions to the forest management budget. The majority of the reductions were based on a review undertaken by the department that identified a series of measures that could be implemented to reduce expenditures and still provide effective forest management services. These measures included a reduction to the number of pre-suppression contract fire crews from 39 to 29, and a more cost-effective, coordinated approach in the use of rotary-wing aircraft.
Committee members acknowledged that there were efficiencies to be gained within this activity. However, Members voiced concerns about the
impact the reductions to fire crews would have on people who rely on firefighting for seasonal employment. Firefighting represents a significant employment opportunity for many residents, particularly those in small communities. This reduction potentially leaves those who rely on employment through these contracts with very few options other than income support.
Also of concern to Members was the reduction to the FireSmart
Program, which supports
communities to undertake wildlife risk mitigation planning. The reductions will mean less support and resources for communities to undertake this type of planning. Members note that, overall, the reductions to forest management may have left the department and communities somewhat vulnerable if there’s a bad fire season.
The forests in the NWT are an important renewable resource that has significant potential to support sustainable small-scale industries such as biomass for heat production, timber harvesting and sawmill operations. The committee encourages the department to work with communities to explore these opportunities as a way to support local economies and promote the use of renewable energy.
Energy Planning and Climate Change
Committee members were supportive of the government’s efforts in moving forward with key renewable-energy initiatives such as wind energy and hydroelectric development. These are important initiatives that will support reductions to greenhouse gas emissions over the long term. Committee members want to see these efforts be balanced with more immediate actions to address the mounting challenge of climate change here in the Northwest Territories.
Members believe that government must develop new initiatives that actually gain net reductions to greenhouse gas emissions in the Northwest Territories. Members request the government move beyond voluntary efforts and establish standards and enforceable regulations as part of the effort to mitigate climate change impacts.
That concludes the committee’s review of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. I’d just like to thank the committee members involved in the review, as well as the Minister and his staff, and our committee researcher, Ms.
Cate Sills, and our Committee
Clerk, Ms. Patricia Russell.