Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of the Northwest Territories have a stake in the ongoing development of the oil sands. Protecting our land and water from potential downstream impacts of development in Alberta is critical.
The Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring is a solid first step in addressing the concerns raised by Aboriginal peoples, scientists and concerned residents, both upstream and downstream, of impacts of the oil sands development on our waters.
This new oil sands monitoring plan is based on sound science and incorporates world-class tools to monitor and assess air quality, water quality and quantity, aquatic ecosystem health, wildlife toxicology, terrestrial biodiversity and habitat disturbance.
The new plan outlines a transparent and accountable monitoring system and adaptive management process, which could address the concerns of Northerners depending on how Canada and Alberta implement it.
While the implementation plan does not clearly identify governance mechanisms, I am encouraged by comments last week by Alberta Premier Alison Redford recognizing the need for an independent oversight committee or monitoring agency.
Collaboration with our government and residents of the Northwest Territories is definitely required if the monitoring plan is to be successful. We will continue to press both Canada and Alberta to include our government in the implementation of monitoring programs, and encourage the participation and engagement of Aboriginal people in it as well. We will be requesting representation on the independent oversight committee for our government and Aboriginal groups.
During the next few weeks I will be seeking further clarification on key aspects of the joint implementation plan and confirming our continued involvement through all phases of the new oil sands monitoring program. Thank you.
