Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the carbon tax was supposed to be simple: just raise the price of fuel, and people will stop buying it. Voila, we change their behaviour and save the planet. Instead, we are facing a mess that is derailing more and more each passing week.

In May 2016, the Premier joined with his Yukon and Nunavut counterparts to "just say no" to a federal carbon tax. Then, only months later, we signed onto the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change supporting a carbon tax. What changed in those few months?

Mr. Speaker, in September 2017, I asked: what is our position regarding the carbon tax? Answer: we are working with our federal counterparts on a made-in-the-North carbon tax that will recognize the North's special circumstances. No clear detail was provided.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, the GNWT outlined our carbon tax plan. Frankly, it doesn't seem to be strong enough to change anyone's behaviour. It's just going to move money from your left pocket to your right pocket. Simply put, it's a wash.

In the meantime, the rest of Canada is losing faith fast. Saskatchewan, out; Alberta, out; Ontario, out; PEl says it can reach targets without a tax; New Brunswick is taking a step back; Newfoundland is in no rush to pass a carbon tax; and Manitoba is out.

Mr. Speaker, why couldn't common sense prevail from the beginning? There was never going to be a carbon tax applied in the NWT that would change behaviour. And why? Because no Northerner needs more motivation to reduce their use of fossil fuels because of what it costs to live here.

When the discussion started, gas in Yellowknife was $1.13 per litre. Today in Yellowknife, gas costs nearly a $1.50 per litre, Mr. Speaker. That's motivation enough to change people's behaviour.

Mr. Speaker, the made-in-the-North carbon tax appears to be a pointless, symbolic gesture that will cost our government a lot of money to administer but will do very little for the world's climate. The $42 million mentioned by the Finance Minister today to support northern residents, businesses, and the environment is the incentive-based approach we need to support.

Mr. Speaker, let's join the rest of Canada and get off this sinking ship called the carbon tax. Later, I will have questions for the Minister of Finance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.