Climate Change: Analysis of Jobs at Risk - Question Period

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Business. We know that the fallout from the climate crisis will have wide and far-reaching impacts on both our environment and our economy if the opportunity is not seized to get ahead of the crisis.

For example, we know that the agricultural industry, the fishery, and the wine industry together represent over $1 billion of economic activity. They are all threatened by droughts, floods, changing weather patterns, warming ocean temperatures, and extreme weather events, some of which we heard about from our colleagues yesterday.

Can the minister please describe what analysis his department has done on the number of jobs that are at risk due to climate change?

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. I think it is fair to say that the Department of Business doesn't entertain that type of analysis. This is a challenge for everyone - for all departments, for all members of this House, and for the private sector as much as it is for the Department of Environment or Lands and Forestry, national governments, and provincial governments.

At the end of the day, climate changes are affecting our economy in a major way. The industries that the member had mentioned are certainly feeling that with respect to the weather patterns and the things that we're seeing, so obviously we are acting. That's why we've become national leaders in the fight to reduce GHG emissions. That's why today is such an important conversation.

We're like-minded as the Premier, our government, and all members of this House. We're committed to doing our job and our role in fighting climate change. We'll make sure that we protect the economy and, of course, always protect the environment.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : With all due respect, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Business should be taking a leadership role in this file. Our caucus has described many times the incredible economic and environmental opportunity, should this government take leadership to transform the economy.

Contrary to the Premier's assertion that we haven't offered constructive advice, we have repeatedly pointed out that thousands of jobs are available through energy efficiency and retrofitting programs, some of which this government is participating in, but we could be doing so much more.

Renewable energy sectors and other green industries should be at the forefront. Can the minister please describe what analysis his department has done on how many jobs can be created through transformation to a green economy?

The Department of Lands and Forestry and the Department of Energy ministers have laid out that that economy is not emerging, it's not on the horizon - it's here. I think that over the course of our mandate, what we have in terms of environmental investment, but also in the job creations around the green economy and what exists - we are doing that, and we'll continue to do that.

We're all very proud of our record. That's why we are taking a very serious tack around protecting the environment but also protecting jobs, so that we have Nova Scotians staying home, returning home, being here, and participating in the new economy.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Northside-Westmount.