Mr. Speaker, work is under way to host a charette in Yellowknife in June hosted by Gwich'in Tribal Council with support in the Centre of Indigenous Aboriginal Resources. I’m going to ask the Minister responsible for Climate Change and Energy questions on that. Will the GNWT join those partners to help make the charette happen? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m looking forward to receiving a proposal from the Gwich'in Tribal Council. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The focus of the charette will be discussions and impacts and opportunities presented by the impending carbon tax and come up with a northern solution. Will the GNWT begin discussions with the group that is working on coming up with a charette?
The Government of the Northwest Territories is in the process of engaging with energy stakeholders as part of the development of the climate change framework and energy strategy. To date, we have held meetings in Nunavut, Norman Wells, Fort Smith, Yellowknife, and Fort Simpson. Next week, we will hold a session in Hay River. We have an upcoming workshop session in Behchoko. We have received submissions from Alternatives North and other energy consulting businesses and are considering those perspectives. We welcome the opportunity to hear from all interested parties and will work to integrate those comments and suggestions into our draft energy strategy and climate change framework, which we expect to table in draft form later this year.
In my Member's statement I spoke about the federal government putting $50 million aside for remote Indigenous communities to transition off diesel fuel. Has this government had any discussions with the federal government as to that $50 million fund?
We've had discussions with the federal government. The federal government has contributed $250,000 for us to hold consultations with regards to developing an energy strategy and a climate change strategy for the Northwest Territories.
Masi. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we all know in the House, small communities have lower incomes and there would be some impact from the carbon tax so this money that the federal government has put in place is very specific to transitioning Indigenous off diesel fuel. I was wondering if the Minister could advise us if there have been any discussions specific to that initiative. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said, our officials have had discussions with federal officials and the indications are that funding that will be used for climate change and to introduce carbon pricing will be in the federal budget that will be coming out sooner. Specifically to the $50 million fund, I'd be pleased to get more information for the Member on that.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.
