Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We should not be downloading an inadequate regulatory regime under the proposed Devolution Agreement-in-Principle. An April 13th Canadian Press Report indicates a loophole in environmental rules is allowing a growing number of unregulated waste incinerators to release extremely toxic chemicals into the land and water. Citing a federal report, CP says levels of highly carcinogenic dioxins and furans up to 10 times higher than those from an uncontaminated lake were detected near the Ekati mine. The reason? Air emissions from incinerators aren’t controlled due to inadequate law.
This is the regime we’ve proposed to take over under the AIP: inadequate regulation, funding, and staffing. If we pursue the AIP as written, the GNWT will be seeking internal resources to patch this and other holes in the laissez-faire federal law. How many gaps can we really expect the modest net fiscal gain to cover?
When we last looked at taking over the operations of DIAND’s Northern Affairs Program, there was an independent review of the funding being offered by the feds. That review indicated a major shortfall between the funding being offered and the operating costs of the program that would be assumed. We smartly turned that deal down as not good enough. So the money is lacking. We know the management regime isn’t up to snuff.
Our devolution process clearly leaves a lot to be desired. We have yet to ask our citizens exactly what kind of resource management regime we should put in place after devolution. Yet it’s obvious we need to do this before devolution, not after. When we take on new powers, we must be ready to move with new law, despite the pitiful AIP requirement for us to enact mirror legislation. Without fully defining our legislative goals, no costing will reflect the aspirations of our citizens and we can’t cost the future without asking our citizens what that future should be.
I remind the government that this deal has costly gaps that demand resolution. I’m hoping the next Assembly will take a much harder look at the numbers, take a much more collaborative and empowering approach with our partners, invite the many good ideas of all our citizens, and hold out for a deal with money to protect our birthright. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
