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Summary of Public Engagement on the Implementation of Pan-Canadian Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories

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Summary of Public Engagement on the Implementation of Pan-Canadian Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories Summary of Public Engagement on the Implementation of Pan-Canadian Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Finance January 2017 Summary of Public Engagement on Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories CONFIDENTIAL GNWT Department of Finance Summary of Public Engagement on the Implementation of Pan-Canadian Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 Methodology .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Discussion Paper .................................................................................................................................................... 3 Carbon Pricing Survey ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Written Submissions .............................................................................................................................................. 4 Survey Results ............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Q1: Overall Comments on Implementation of a Carbon Tax in the NWT ............................................................. 5 Observations: ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Q2: What Percentage of Carbon Tax Revenue Should be Returned to Residents and Businesses to Offset the Impacts? ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Observations: ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Q3: What Percentage of Carbon Tax Revenue Should be Returned to Residents and Businesses to Offset the Impacts? ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Observations: ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Q4: Percentage Keeping Shares the Same for Use of Revenue as Carbon Tax Increases?.................................... 7 Observation: ........................................................................................................................................................... 7 Q5: How Should Carbon Tax Revenue Be Returned to Residents? ....................................................................... 7 Observations: ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Q6: Percentage Expecting to Make Changes to Decrease Fuel Use as a Result of the Carbon Tax?..................... 8 Observations: ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Q7: How Should Carbon Tax Revenue Be Returned to Businesses? ...................................................................... 9 Observations: ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Written Submissions .............................................................................................................................................. 9 Appendix A – Open-ended Survey Responses .......................................................................................................... 10 January 2018 Page 2 of 10 Summary of Public Engagement on Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories CONFIDENTIAL Introduction As a signatory to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) agreed to the federal proposal for a national carbon price and the federal government has committed to work with the territories to find solutions that address their unique circumstances, including high costs of living and of energy, challenges with food security, and emerging economies. Starting at $10 per tonne of greenhouse gas emission in 2018, the price will increase by $10 per tonne each year until it reaches $50 per tonne in 2022. Representatives from the Department of Finance (GNWT) form part of a Working Group established by the Federal Government, wherein, the GNWT is able to raise concerns on the impacts of, and potential solutions to Carbon Pricing in the NWT. Consultation is a critical component of ensuring that the implementation of Carbon Pricing in the NWT minimizes impact on residents and industry. The GNWT undertook engagement on this issue with the public, business and industry stakeholders. What follows is a summary report presenting the results of engagement on implementing carbon tax in the NWT. Methodology Carbon pricing has been a topic of discussion in a variety of forums, including the recent public meetings during engagement on the Energy Strategy and the Climate Change Strategic Framework. Additionally, the GNWT Department of Finance, has promoted dialogue and invited feedback from various stakeholders by undertaking the following: Discussion Paper In July 2017, the GNWT released a discussion paper on Implementing Pan-Canadian Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories. The purpose of the discussion paper was to present the possible approaches for the GNWT to meet the carbon pricing commitment and generate discussion on the policy tools that may best address the implementation of a carbon price in such a way that would minimize impact on the local cost of living and doing business in the NWT. To generate thought and dialogue in specific areas, the discussion paper provided readers a line of inquiry to consider, as well as potential tools that could be used either individually or in combination. Carbon Pricing Survey Further the discussion paper, a short on-line survey was available to the public on the GNWT website from July 26 to September 15. The on-line survey received 382 responses. (Responses from the open ended questions are provided in Appendix A). January 2018 Page 3 of 10 Summary of Public Engagement on Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories CONFIDENTIAL The demographic characteristics of the survey respondents included: - 73% of the respondents were from the North Slave; 14% from the South Slave; 8% spread across the Beaufort-Delta, Sahtu and Dehcho regions; and 5% not wanting to say or from outside the NWT. - Response by age indicate 10% were 20-29; 30% were 30-39; 24% were 40-49; 22% were 50-59; 13% were 60 & over; and 2% did not want to disclose their age. - Responses were provided primarily by individuals, but also included businesses and organizations. Written Submissions The GNWT was in receipt of written submissions from stakeholders groups outlining their specific concerns on carbon pricing. January 2018 Page 4 of 10 Summary of Public Engagement on Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories CONFIDENTIAL Survey Results Q1: Overall Comments on Implementation of a Carbon Tax in the NWT Observations: • Survey respondents were split in their comments on carbon tax. • About 55% provided general comments. • 51% of those providing comments either stated opposition to the carbon tax or had concerns on the impact on cost of living and doing business. • 38% support carbon pricing or encouraged innovation in response to climate change. • All general comments are provided in Appendix A. January 2018 Page 5 of 10 Summary of Public Engagement on Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories CONFIDENTIAL Q2: What Percentage of Carbon Tax Revenue Should be Returned to Residents and Businesses to Offset the Impacts? Observations: • The majority of respondents want carbon tax revenue returned to residents or businesses to offset the impact. • Most indicated the portion not returned should be used for projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Q3: What Percentage of Carbon Tax Revenue Should be Returned to Residents and Businesses to Offset the Impacts? Observations: • There is considerable difference in views on the use for carbon tax revenue. • Those opposed or concerned about carbon pricing, overwhelmingly want the revenue used to offset impact. • Those in support or wanting to encourage innovation, want most of the revenue used on projects to reduce emissions. January 2018 Page 6 of 10 Summary of Public Engagement on Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories CONFIDENTIAL Q4: Percentage Keeping Shares the Same for Use of Revenue as Carbon Tax Increases? Observation: • Generally, most respondents felt that the share of revenues used for offsetting impacts or investing in projects to reduce GHG should stay the same as the tax increases. Q5: How Should Carbon Tax Revenue Be Returned to Residents? January 2018 Page 7 of 10 Summary of Public Engagement on Carbon Pricing in the Northwest Territories CONFIDENTIAL Observations: • About 35% of respondents want revenue
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