Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Premier, who signed the National Climate Change Framework on our behalf. It has been reported that federal funding would be made available to help meet the costs of governmental measures to reduce greenhouse gas production, such as the replacement of diesel generation. Can the Premier give us an overview of the funding transfers we can expect to receive and any details available at this time on the use of those funds? Mahsi.
Masi. The Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our officials have been having discussions with federal officials. We have no details as to those specifics. I expect we will have more information when the federal budget comes out later this spring. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you to the Premier for that response. Recent media reports indicate that the Nunavut government may be seeking an exemption under its carbon pricing for certain types of fuel, specifically heating fuel, jet fuel, and fuel for generating power. Obviously, action on climate change must be across the board and achieve the new carbonfree economy, which is the only solution to runaway climate change. Can the Premier assure us that we are negotiating a fullspectrum carbonpricing system to motivate replacement of all categories of fuels?
We are holding roundtables throughout the Northwest Territories. We have had very excellent feedback, and we are looking at all options. Certainly, we will do what is best for the people of the Northwest Territories.
I didn't hear an answer there, but maybe I will capture it in the next question. As I pointed out, the Mining Association of Canada has announced its endorsement of carbon pricing as the most effective and efficient means of driving emissions reductions. The mining industry in the NWT is both a major producer of greenhouse gases and, of course, a major contributor of revenue. Has our government reached out to the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines to enlist their partnership in transition to a carbon price? If not, will the Premier commit to doing so?
As people in the southern parts of Canada are wont to do, the Mining Association of Canada without any consultation went ahead and put forward their position on climate change. We understand that that’s not necessarily shared by the local Chamber of Mines. We are setting up meetings with them so that we will have very specific industry input and if we do our consultations.
Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you. That’s a very curious twist. My last question, Mr. Speaker, is that we recognize that carbon pricing is just one element of an array of measures that must be put in place. Can the Premier report on the current status of the climate change strategic framework and when we may expect to see this document, including a cost of implementation plan with timelines? Mahsi.
Mr. Speaker, we are continuing with our consultations and we expect that will be completed by the end of March. We have committed to working with the Standing Committee on the Economy and the Environment, so I expect that it will be the fall. The federal has indicated that carbon tax or carbon pricing will be imposed in 2018. Our expectation is that we’ll have our strategies completed well before that.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife North.
