Public Engagement on Climate Change Strategic Framework and Energy Strategy set to begin

News Releases

YELLOWKNIFE (October 13, 2016) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will be engaging northerners this fall and winter on the development of the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework and an NWT Energy Strategy.

Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) is leading the development of the Climate Change Framework and Public Works and Services (PWS) is leading the development of the Energy Strategy. As mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) resulting from our energy use is a key objective of both of these strategic initiatives, ENR and PWS are coordinating public engagement on energy and climate change issues.

Engagement on the Climate Change Framework and the Energy Strategy will involve a series of regional invitational community workshops and public information sessions.  A Climate Change Backgrounder and associated fact sheets as well as an Energy Strategy Discussion Guide have been developed to support public discussion of these issues.

Workshop and public information sessions are being held as follows:

  • Fort Simpson: October 25th and 26th
  • Inuvik: November 1st and 2nd
  • Norman Wells: November 15th and 16th
  • Fort Smith: November 22nd and 23rd
  • Yellowknife: December 5th and 6th

Quotes

“As climate change is occurring at an accelerated pace in the Northwest Territories we need to be leaders in addressing, and adapting to, the impacts of climate change in our, communities. The Climate Change Strategic Framework developed in partnership with residents will guide this work.”
- Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources

“Given the importance of energy to our local economies and in our everyday lives, it is important that we develop a long term strategic approach that will see greater use of local, renewable and alternative forms of energy in our communities. We need a vision – one that targets reductions in the use of diesel and encourages the development of our substantial renewable energy potential, including solar, biomass and hydroelectric development.“
- Wally Schumann, Minister of Public Works and Services

“As we’ve seen through the Vancouver Declaration made by First Ministers in March, the entire country is committed to taking action on climate change. The Declaration also recognizes the unique circumstances in the north and the need to reduce diesel in our remote communities. I will continue to work closely with the federal government to ensure that actions and solutions developed nationally recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that exist in the Northwest Territories. As we develop our own made in the north solutions through the Climate Change Strategic Framework and the NWT Energy Strategy, I encourage all residents to participate either online or at the regional meetings.”
- Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

  • The Climate Change Strategic Framework will establish the GNWT policy and strategic actions with respect to climate change: Resilience and Adaptation; Research and Knowledge; and GHG Emissions Mitigation.
  • The Energy Strategy will confirm the principles that underpin the GNWT approach to energy and support actions aimed at reducing the use of imported diesel and greater use of local, renewable and alternative forms of energy in NWT communities.
  • The Strategy will take a longer term view and consider establishing targets to reduce the use of diesel in NWT communities. 

Related Links

NWT Energy

Mandate of the Government of the NWT

Climate Change Information

Pan Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change

Media Inquiries for Ministers

Andrew Livingstone
Senior Cabinet Communications Advisor
Department of the Executive                                                                                         
Government of the Northwest Territories
Box 1320 Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9                                                                                             
Tel: (867) 767-9140 ext. 11091
Fax: (867) 873-0169
Email: andrew_livingstone@gov.nt.ca

Media Inquiries for Departments

Jhillian Adams
Manager of Policy, Legislation and Communications
Department of the Public Works and Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
Box 1320 Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Tel: (867) 767-9047 ext. 32082
Email: Jhillian_adams@gov.nt.ca

Judy McLinton
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel:  867-767-9231 ext. 53041
email:  judy_mclinton@gov.nt.ca