Caroline Wawzonek
Deputy Premier
Statements in Debates
Madam Chair, yes. I have personally been engaged on this issue with the Department of Finance federally along with a host of other issues. I think I have had telephone conversations, there have been letter exchanges, and we have had an opportunity to meet at the federal, provincial, and territorial finance Ministers' meetings. When I am saying that it is an act of engagement and dialogue, it has been that already, even in four short months. It is a dialogue and an exchange that is really more than just the federal debt limit. It is much more, also, about really looking to the federal...
Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't have my numbers broken down that way, but I'm confident that we can provide that information. I'll do so. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Madam Chair. That is correct, and it's a challenge that's being faced by other jurisdictions, as well. Which is not to say that a solution shouldn't be found, just that we're certainly not alone with the challenge. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Madam Chair, Shared Corporate Services is a communications function that is shared with the EIA, Executive and Indigenous Affairs. I wonder, though, if perhaps what the Member is seeking more information about is Information Shared Services System, which is a newer initiative and there is an ongoing evaluation process. If I could just confirm, Madam Chair?
Madam Chair, thank you. I believe that there is approximately $5.8 million in carbon tax revenue available that is to be directed towards investments that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, at this point, the process of how those are being allocated is still part of the business planning process, so it's not allocated within the main estimates that are in front of committee right now. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Certainly, my intention is not to exceed that limit, period. We do have two years between now and when it's even projected. It's not something that is set in stone that we would. In the next few years, either the limit is increased at the behest of the federal government; if it is not and certainly not at the Nth hour, if it is not, then we have to certainly reconsider the borrowing plan and the fiscal plan that we are in at the point in time. At this point, we certainly have solidly two years within which to make those considerations. I am, at this point, optimistic...
Thank you, Madam Chair. I will be able to get that number and provide it to the Member. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Those are the kinds of questions I would think would be appropriate for the 10-year review. Given that that process will be undertaken within the life of this Assembly, I can at the very least, commit to ensuring that those kinds of questions are back as part of the process with the committee. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Madam Chair. The federal government's budget will be coming out, obviously, next month, and I think, in terms of the northern residents deduction, we will have to look and see what has been included there. I can assure the Member that I am alive to what he is raising and that we will continue to engage with the Department of Finance from the federal government to work toward the best possible value and outcome for the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I was just confirming that the difference between the two that is the amount that is used for administration of the tax, so there is a portion that goes towards administration and not only to the offset. Thank you, Madam Chair.