Thank you, Mr. Chair. When ENR reads the proposed clauses together as worded, the clauses would require the Minister or the deputy head to apply the criteria provided in the motion when considering all decisions the GNWT makes. This would include large decisions as well as minor decisions. If on the basis of the criteria it is deemed that the decision would significantly affect the environment, the Minister would then have to consider the statement of environmental values. For example, prior to making any decision, including every meeting requiring duty travel or every purchase of paper, the criteria in the proposed motion would have to be applied, and, if it is concluded that the decision might significantly affect the environment, the statement of environmental values would need to be considered. This would affect the timelines of actions, which is not conducive to efficient and effective business or emergency response, such as medical travel or deploying fire retardant.
As currently stated in the reprint of Bill 39, the GNWT would be required to consider the statement of environmental values in relation to decisions that might significantly affect the environment. Criteria do not need to be applied to all decisions for this to occur. No other corresponding legislation or bill in any jurisdiction requires all decisions to be assessed with legislative criteria. Requiring every Minister or deputy head to consider a list of criteria for every decision they make or that is made within their departments creates an unnecessary burden on all GNWT departments and several agencies. The GNWT does not have the capacity to carry out this motion, and, as such, we will not be supporting this motion. Thank you, Mr. Chair.