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Dispatches From the Legislative assembly GNWT climate inaction a 'crime against humanity'
Galit Rodan Northern News Services Published Friday, December 9, 2011
The Weledeh MLA lamented Canada's failings on climate change during the first sitting of the 17th legislative assembly Wednesday. He pressed Environment Minister Michael Miltenberger to show more leadership. "In the past six weeks our residents have been shocked to see open water in Tuk Harbour in November. We saw plus-14 degree temperatures in Fort Liard in December, and roller coaster weather with repeated changes of 20 to 30 degrees from day to day in Yellowknife," said Bromley. The federal government, despite recognizing the validity of climate change science, has failed to institute measures stringent enough to reduce emissions by the amount required to avoid "dangerous climate change" and its ensuing effects, including "loss of life, species and the ability of ecosystems to support us," said Bromley. In the face of failure at the federal level, Bromley said the provinces and territories must lead the way - something he felt was not being done by the territorial government. "According to our Greenhouse Gas Strategy, the GNWT is prepared to allow our emissions to surge by almost 100 per cent above 1990 levels by 2020. Given what we know, such policy followed through by any jurisdiction would constitute a crime against humanity," said Bromley. Miltenberger took exception to the comment. "I totally disagree and repute the member's allegation that somehow this government, this assembly is engaged in crimes against humanity," he said. Miltenberger cited the "very progressive" work done by the GNWT in combating climate change, including its water and greenhouse gas strategies and its $60 million investment in alternative forms of energy such as biomass, wind, geothermal and hydro. On Thursday, Michael Miltenberger raised the issue of Bromley's language, calling it "deeply offensive." Miltenberger suggested Bromley had contravened the rules of the legislative assembly and called for Bromley to retract his "crimes against humanity" comment or apologize to the house. Bromley, however, defended his use of the term, saying that the World Health Organization estimated that over 150,000 deaths occur annually as a result of climate change. Both men read different definitions of "crime against humanity" to make their case. Emergency protection orders need review - MLA In a fairly transparent allusion to a recent case involving a woman's false accusations made while seeking an emergency protection order against an innocent man, Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins told the legislative assembly that "recent events have certainly highlighted potential abuse" in the process of obtaining an order "and it has created terrible consequences that we have seen." Hawkins was troubled that there was no recourse, other than costly court proceedings, for those who have been subjected to protection orders issued incorrectly or under false pretenses. Under the Protection Against Family Violence Act the onus for removing an order lies with the person it has been issued against. "How does the person who has been accused, who has now become the victim of the circumstance, get the EPO removed?" he asked. "They have to take it to court and it costs $5,000 in this particular example." Hawkins asked Justice Minister Glen Abernethy whether his department would review the "particular circumstances" alluded to in order to determine whether the protection order process should be amended. Though Abernethy initially said he could not comment on cases before the court, he finally told Hawkins the Department of Justice is considering recommendations stemming from a review of the legislation. More aviation memorials please "We as a territory have done very little to commemorate our fallen Northern aviation heroes," said Range Lake MLA Daryl Dolynny, after reminding MLAs of the rash of local aviation tragedies in the past year, including the recent death of Adlair Aviation's Paul Laserich. Dolynny said the single existing official memorial - Bush Pilots Monument in Yellowknife's Old Town - is dedicated to bush pilots and engineers who died flying in the 1920s and '30s, and there is no permanent memorial for those who have lost their lives since. "As Northerners who depend so much on aviation travel, wouldn't we agree that having multiple aviation memorial sites throughout our land would be the proper way to deal with respect?" asked Dolynny. Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Dave Ramsay said his department would discuss the proposal further with MLAs and other affected parties throughout the NWT.
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