QUEBEC (April 13, 2015) – The Premiers of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut are bringing the interests of Northerners to the April 14th Quebec Climate Change Summit.

Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski, NWT Premier Bob McLeod and Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna jointly acknowledged the significant investments all three territories have made in emissions reduction, cleaner energy production, technology and innovation and that the North has special circumstances of growing regional economies, rural and remote communities and sparse populations. They also pointed out that Canada’s Northern Territories have a minor impact on overall greenhouse gas emissions but climate change has had a significant effect on Northern communities.

Approaches in the North to achieve Canada’s climate change goals must be conducted in a way that does not significantly impact Northern costs of living, undermine food security or threaten emerging economies, Premiers agreed.

“Canada’s North faces many challenges including vast distances, small populations and a very high cost of living,” said Premier McLeod.  “Given our changing climate and the need for both long term and short term action, the Territories are focusing on both adaptation and mitigation.”

Because they are experiencing climate change in a profound way, the three northern territories are working together to develop strategies to adapt to changes in the North. In 2011 the Northern Premiers adopted the Pan Territorial Adaptation strategy and continue to collaborate through the partnership established. Balancing mitigation with adaptation is essential.

“All three Territories are making investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner energy production, technology and innovation,” said Premier Taptuna. “We also need to ensure the economic opportunities are created for our residents, which means supporting balanced, sustainable development.”

“We can still make positive changes in green energy while supporting new and growing northern economies,” said Premier Pasloski. “Achieving our climate change goals must be done in a way that does not significantly increase the already very high Northern cost of living. “

The Northern Premiers are pleased to participate in the Quebec Summit and will continue to be an active partner in discussions around climate change mitigation and adaptation, while respecting the need for each jurisdiction to pursue the path that best meets its unique circumstances.

Media inquiries:

Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the NWT
867-669-2308
roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

Yasmina Pepa
Office of Premier Taptuna
Government of Nunavut
867-222-0961
ypepa@gov.nu.ca