Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Addressing Climate Change (Nunavut)
Between
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Natural Resources,
hereinafter called "Canada,"
of the First Part, and
THE GOVERNMENT OF NUNAVUT as represented by the Minister of Sustainable Development and the Minister of Energy
hereinafter called "Nunavut",
of the Second Part,
hereinafter called "the Parties".
Preamble
Whereas,
The Parties recognize that climate change represents a global environmental and socio-economic issue of unprecedented scope, and that they are key players in this issue;
Canada is a party to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and ratified the Kyoto Protocol on December 17, 2002;
Nunavut supports Canada's commitment to address climate change and stated support for ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in September 2002;
The Parties recognize that given the global nature of climate change, an unprecedented diversity of policies and measures will have to be implemented by all orders of governments;
On November 21, 2002, Canada announced the Climate Change Plan for Canada;
Nunavut adopted a Climate Change Strategy for Nunavut in July 2003;
The Parties recognize the need to coordinate their respective efforts in developing and implementing policies and measures designed to address climate change;
Canada recognizes the efforts of Nunavut to meet its specific needs in addressing climate change;
The Parties recognize that Nunavut faces challenges in addressing climate change and the impacts to its way of life;
The Parties further recognize that the challenges Nunavut faces in reducing GHG emissions include: energy supply options, the high cost of energy and living, and difficulty developing the capacity needed to address climate change; and
The Parties acknowledge the jurisdictional authorities of each of the Parties.
Strategic Objectives and General Framework for Cooperation
The Parties agree to:
- Pursue cooperation on addressing climate change within the context of sustainable development;
- Identify and follow through, as appropriate, on priority areas of cooperation to build partnerships to achieve cost-effective emission reductions;
- Ensure consistency among their respective actions and initiatives to avoid duplication and to maximize synergies;
- Coordinate the efforts of all their departments and other agencies involved in addressing climate change; and
- Pursue cooperation through new initiatives, as well as building on existing initiatives
To meet the above strategic objectives, the Parties agree to further coordinate their efforts on policies and measures, and provide resources on a case-by-case basis, where appropriate, to:
- Reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions through measures such as; energy management, conservation, energy efficiency, and alternative and renewable energy development;
- Promote the development, demonstration and deployment of technologies addressing climate change;
- Capitalize on opportunities for cost-effective economic development and job creation related to climate change;
- Establish effective monitoring, reporting and review mechanisms for emissions reductions;
- Increase public awareness and education; and
- Improve knowledge of the impact of climate change and develop measures to adapt to it.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
The Parties agree to explore cooperation in the following priority areas:
- Increase public awareness and education of climate change and impacts and adaptation;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy management programs, increasing energy efficiency, conservation and renewable/alternative energy development;
- Advance our knowledge of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Nunavut through Inuit qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge) and research; and
- Support pan-northern and multilateral initiatives related to emission reduction and adaptation.
The Parties agree that climate change programs or initiatives developed through the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will take into consideration conditions unique to Canada's northern territories.
The Parties agree that they will pursue annexes, where appropriate, outlining the nature and scope of the cooperation in relation to the above-mentioned priority areas.
The Parties will identify the initiatives they would like to pursue on a bilateral basis and others in which it would be preferable to ask other jurisdictions to participate.
Funding for specific initiatives will be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration programs and priorities of the Parties.
Priority areas may be amended over time by mutual agreement of the Parties.
In addition to the above-mentioned priority areas, the Parties recognize that infrastructure investments will play an important role in addressing climate change, and shall be taken into consideration in the development of cooperative activities.
Management of Memorandum of Understanding
Following signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, the Parties will designate Senior Representatives to follow through on the above-mentioned priority areas of cooperation.
Senior Representatives of the Parties will identify program experts who will develop, as required, draft annexes to this Memorandum of Understanding on priority areas. Senior Representatives of the Parties will examine the contents of these draft annexes and will agree on their final form, as required.
Representatives of the Parties will meet on a regular basis, at least once a year, to review progress and provide guidance, where needed.
Communication
Parties agree to develop joint communication, where appropriate.
Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding may be amended with the mutual written consent of both Parties. Any amendment becomes part of this Memorandum of Understanding.
Language of Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding is made in the English and French languages, and each version is equally valid. This Memorandum of Understanding is also available in the Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun languages.
Settlement of Disputes
Any disputes regarding the interpretation or implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding will be resolved only by consultation among the Parties and will not be referred to a tribunal or other third party for settlement.
Duration of Memorandum of Understanding
This Memorandum of Understanding will come into effect on October 31, 2003 and remain in effect for a period of five years until October 31, 2008. Prior to the termination of this Memorandum of Understanding, a decision will be made as to whether to renew this Memorandum of Understanding.
Either Party can terminate this Memorandum of Understanding with 90 days' notice. Best efforts to resolve issues are to be made by the Parties within this 90-day period.
SIGNED at Iqaluit, Nunavut this 31st day of October, 2003.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the Parties have signed this Memorandum of Understanding.
FOR CANADA |
FOR NUNAVUT |
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