Debates of May 26, 2022 (day 112)

Date
May
26
2022
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
112
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon-Armstrong.
Topics
Statements

Member’s Statement 1083-19(2): Climate Change

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every once in a while, in this House, I like to plagiarize a statement from one of my former predecessors partly because, you know, a lot of the issues in this House require consistent advocacy, and sometimes you just can't say it better yourself. And today, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to deliver a statement from my predecessor Jaydence White of Youth Parliament, the Member for Yellowknife North, who did a great job in this House, and I believe that statement bears repeating.

Mr. Speaker, there is a climate crisis in the world. The Government of the Northwest Territories was one of the first in Canada to include climate change considerations in highlevel decisionmaking. Despite this, no considerable action has been made towards a solution. This is a subject that many worry about. Seasons are changing. Winters are becoming shorter, and summers are reaching temperature records. In August of 2021, Yellowknife hit its record for the highest temperature of 32.6 degrees Celsius.

Mr. Speaker, public image seems to be more important to those in power that rather than a healthy sustainable future. Former GNWT staff reported leaving their positions due to a lack of support and feeling burnt out from their hard efforts not making a difference. We need to look at the big picture. Prioritize and support staff that are passionate and qualified in climate change. More action is needed. This should be a top concern. We need to secure a viable future for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, there is no sugar coating this. Substantive action must be taken. This could be done through creating more bike lanes, creating incentive programs for residents to reduce vehicle traffic, and having more sources of renewable power. We need to save our earth before it's too late. We still have time to make a difference, but action must be taken now.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Jaydence White for her great advocacy in the Yellowknife North role, and I will have questions today for the Minister of Infrastructure as they relate to our work on climate change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member for Yellowknife North. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.