Member’s Statement: Severe Weather
Mr. Coon: The recent severe weather and intense storms remind us, once again, that we are in the midst of climate change. It is only going to get worse. We are going to see more of these storms and more of this impact. We are going to have to start figuring out how to deal with this, because it is causing not only inconvenience for New Brunswickers, but also real hardships and real costs for New Brunswick finances.
It is interesting to note that in the negotiations in Lima, Peru toward the climate accord, the developing countries, for the first time in history, put on the table a request for help to cover the costs of repairs and damages. That is what we are going to have to start looking for in New Brunswick. We are going to have to go to the federal government to look for help with that, because we are not going to be able to afford the damages and repairs that, increasingly, we are going to see with these increased storms and severe weather events.
Our EMO does a great job, as do NB Power and our first responders in this province, to help people out and to ensure that families are kept as safe as possible. They, too, are going to be increasingly challenged. We are going to have to come to grips with this. Perhaps this is something that this Legislative Assembly can address in terms of what are the best options.
I, too, would like to join both sides of the House in wishing the very best of the season to the citizens and families across New Brunswick. Thank you.