Statements in Debates
We get the fees, Mr. Chair, but, unfortunately, because of the user pay act, we have no say in what they are. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, in 2017, there was approximately $30,000 of the $100,000 that was allocated. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I am going to respond to the Member's first point about the boreal caribou and the $150,000 reduction, and then I am going to go to Dr. Dragon to add to the Member's second part. Again, it is not a hint that we are going to get money from the federal government. We are certain we are going to get money from the federal government, and when we do get that money, I will be happy to sit down with committee and share that amount with them. We are very confident in this, and I do not think it ruined this just because it is a reduction. I mean, some of the savings...
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I could sit here all day and disagree with the Member, and he will disagree with everything I say, but I totally disagree with him, and I take offence to the fact that he says that this department cannot get the work done. That, to me, is not thinking very highly of the capacity of the people that we have there. They obviously feel that they are able to get the work done.
He has mentioned a couple of things, and I appreciate him doing my homework for me. I thank him for that, but the work on the Climate Change Strategic Framework, we are nearing completion...
No, it's not true, Mr. Chair. My understanding is it's the same rate.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I am sure we have done some work. I am not exact. I will confirm that, as to looking at comparable water rates, and we will see. We will do some research. I will commit to the Member that we will do some research and see what our rates are compared to the other jurisdictions, and then we will plan a course of action from there. I will commit to getting that information. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, my understanding of this is that this is application-based, and it has been fully subscribed to the last few years. So, if the Member's communities come forward with a proposal, then I am sure it is one that we will look at, and, if there is funding available, we will put some funding toward it. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Member is correct. There is a legal requirement for 65 per cent, and we're at 66 per cent, but that number changes as we get some new previously burnt areas coming back on stream. I have to add our 1 per cent is actually quite large compared to the other jurisdictions, but his point is well taken.
The $150,000, we're just trying to get the number here as to what's left in the budget, but I can inform this House that we are working with Environment and Climate Change Canada for funding under the Federal Species at Risk Act. These funds will be used to...
Reports have been commissioned by ENR to look at greenhouse gas emissions and the forest industry, the substitution of fossil fuels with wood biomass in the Northwest Territories. They demonstrate significant reductions in greenhouse gas emission when utilizing woody biomass. GNWT sees this industry as environmentally sustainable while also offering NWT residents potential savings on heating costs.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the full utilization of trees on the harvest system used by Aurora Wood Pellets, this level of detail has not been provided to ENR yet. Pre-harvest prescriptions will determine what happens to treetops scattered onsite. As soon as we have more information to pass on and if it is the wish of committee, we can keep them informed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.