Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the past six weeks our residents have been shocked to see open water in Tuk Harbour in November. We saw plus 14 degree temperatures in Fort Liard in December, and roller-coaster weather with repeated changes of 20 to 30 degrees from day to day in Yellowknife that defies predictability or preparedness.
We know such huge change brings unprecedented costs, often in unpredictable ways and at rates faster than ever contemplated. The City of Yellowknife hires staff now to clear high snow loads a month earlier than ever before. We have learned to expect the unexpected. Given the phenomena we are witnessing, the only sure thing is that whatever happens, without effective actions the costs will be ever greater. In the face of this stark reality, our government has the opportunity to provide the leadership required.
Canada understands and accepts that global emissions must be reduced from 1990 levels by at least 25 percent by 2020 to avoid dangerous climate change with all that means in terms of loss of life, species and the ability of ecosystems to support us. Unfortunately, the disconnect between climate change talks in Durban and scientific reality is stark. Despite acknowledging the science, Canada has allowed a 30 percent increase in emissions while adopting a weak-kneed commitment of 2 percent reductions by 2017, a goal clearly unachievable under current measures.
In Durban last week, Canada said that without movement from large industrial emitters, we will not budge. Yet, when China announced openness to a more flexible position, Canada was not prepared to live up to its end of the bargain, with the Minister saying that even if China moves, Canada’s position is set in stone. Despite Canada being in the top 10 global emitters, we can expect no real action from the feds. Under this leadership, the polluters are clearly the winners and the people suffer the consequences.
According to our Greenhouse Gas Strategy, the GNWT is prepared to allow our emissions to surge by almost 100 percent above 1990 levels by 2020. Given what we know, such policy followed through by any jurisdiction would constitute a crime against humanity. I, for one, and hopefully my colleagues, too, want no part in this.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, I call upon all concerned residents to let all orders of government know that they want prompt, effective and timely action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on the accepted science. Our leadership has recognized that federal action is insufficient, that sub-national governments like us must provide the leadership needed. To fail in this commitment would be to fail our people. I am looking for that leadership. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
