Yesterday our Premier indicated that the term “carbon-neutral” had not been heard before in this House. I would like to build on one aspect of this concept: economic tools for eliminating carbon emissions and thus mitigating climate change.
A new report of the National Round Table on the Economy and the Environment, entitled “Getting to 2050: Canada’s Transition to a Low-Emission Future,” states the obvious: climate change is upon us.
Of key interest to me, however, was the authors’ conclusions that with a proactive and immediate response, we can also take advantage of some unique opportunities. We have some great opportunities right here in the Northwest Territories if we immediately provide the leadership required in managing our carbon emissions in a progressive and predictable way.
In the past few weeks alone, chief economist executives from CIBC, TD Bank and the C.D. Howe Institute have spoken out in favour of the economic and environmental benefits of carbon pricing to manage emissions.
The Conference Board of Canada just released a report demanding immediate action on carbon valuations. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is prepared to move on a carbon tax. The Canadian Council of Chief Executives has recognized the need for economy-wide action on carbon reduction mechanisms.
Mr. Speaker, these institutions are all representative of those industries that are most active in the N.W.T. — active both in generating our economy and, unfortunately, also at generating the cause and cost of climate change here and around the world. They just want a certain, predictable and fair system within which to plan and grow their businesses.
Mr. Speaker, it is only the final ingredient that is missing, and that ingredient is political will. I believe that here in the 16th Assembly we can demonstrate the political will and leadership to make this happen. Be it a carbon trading or carbon tax policy, be it the Mackenzie gas pipeline, my furnace at home or the vehicle or airline that transports us to meetings, a fair, well-designed and predictable carbon pricing system will provide revenue while paying back benefits through reduced taxes, energy savings and reduced and avoided environmental costs of climate change.
Mr. Speaker, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, representing the source of more than half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, are all currently….
Mr. Bromley, your time for Members’ statements has expired.
I request permission to continue my statement. Thank you.
Members, the Member is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you, colleagues.
More than half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are all currently in talks to set up a carbon cap and trade system. Did we consider joining them at the recent Premiers’ conference on climate change? Are we moving aggressively to implement a carbon tax to provide the level playing field for all our businesses and to stimulate environmentally and socially responsible economic development?
This is a responsible leadership opportunity, Mr. Speaker. The time to move is now. I will measure the strength of this House on the political will and leadership we demonstrate on this pressing issue in the immediate future.
I will have questions related to this issue and the Premiers’ conference on climate change. Mahsi.
