I rise today to inform the House of our funding commitment which will help the Labrador region of our province with adaptation planning for the effects of climate change.

More than $98,000 in funding will help researchers examine the role that values and cultural identity play in shaping responses to climate change. In the context of adaptation decision-making, values and culture are important as they determine the policies and plans that are deemed effective and equitable. The project also aims to build capacity at the local level for planning and adaptation.

Spearheaded by Dr. Johanna Wolf of the Labrador Institute and Dr. Trevor Bell of Memorial University, the research will complement the information gathered at the Climate Change and Renewable Resources in Labrador conference held in North West River last year. At that time, key priorities for action were identified such as improving collaboration among communities, researchers and governments in Labrador; engaging communities on climate change issues; and compiling existing knowledge on climate change studies in Labrador.

Adaptation is a serious issue for our province given there are many smaller coastal communities and towns. Warming air temperatures in the north, changes in rain-snow patterns and increases in storm surge and sea level are several of the anticipated adverse effects of climate change. We also understand the specific challenges for our northern communities, and planning must also incorporate their cultural identity and values.

We all know that climate change is an important issue for our environment and our economy, and is a consideration in our daily lives. That is why we allocated $1.3 million in Budget 2009 to help communities assess and adapt to climate change impacts, the results of which will inform policy and strategy development. The adaptation project in Labrador is a wonderful example of our funding commitment in action.

Protecting the environment remains a priority for the Provincial Government. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, assess environmental impacts, and support climate change adaptation efforts are part of the ongoing focus on the sustainability of Newfoundland and Labrador. Strengthening the resiliency of our northern communities against climate change is an important part of this focus.