For Immediate Release
16 May, 2022
The NDP Caucus introduced a Private Members Resolution in the House of Assembly today calling on the government to legislate a Just Transition plan to prepare our province for the decline of the fossil fuel industry.
NDP Interim Leader and MHA for St. John’s Centre Jim Dinn says that this government already recognizes the importance of lowering our carbon output, and starting the Transition into Green Energy as the future for this province.
“The Liberals have clearly stated that they recognize the need for a Just Transition but they are falling short,” said Dinn. “What we are putting forward is a plan that will ensure that oil and gas workers in Newfoundland and Labrador will not be left behind and are supported in this transition.”
This Private Members Resolution is worker oriented, calling on the government to guarantee that all renewable energy production, distribution, and service remains in public hands, and to establish a new statutory Office of Climate Accountability with a Climate Accountability Officer, whose mandate would be to work within the industry to help advance low-carbon industry and infrastructure, and review, audit, and report to the House of Assembly.
“The time is now for a plan to be put in place to protect the workers in our province, and to make this province a leader in Just Transition,” said Dinn. “The catastrophe after the Cod Moratorium taught us the importance of not putting all of our fish in one basket. We must prepare for the change, and include our local workers who all have the skills to be leaders in this green industry.”
The Private Members Resolution will be debated in the House of Assembly on Wednesday May 18th, 2022.
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media Relations Manager, NDP Caucus at (o) 709.330.0328 or (e) stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca