Newfoundland and Labrador Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Advisory Council

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Management of Greenhouse Gas Act (sections 6 to 9) establishes the Newfoundland and Labrador Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund as an industry funded, arms-length fund to receive monies from prescribed compliance activities under the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act, and to allocate those monies to greenhouse gas reduction projects.

The Management of Greenhouse Gas Act prescribes that an Advisory Council (the Advisory Council) is to be appointed to:

• assess applications for payments from the fund; and
• provide recommendations to the minister regarding payments from the fund.

The Management of Greenhouse Gas Act prescribes that the minister may only disburse monies from the fund after the Council makes a recommendation on an application or on unused monies that remain in the fund after five years.

Structure:

The Management of Greenhouse Gas Act prescribes that the Advisory Council is to consist of a minimum of five members and a maximum of seven members including the following:

• at least two people with expertise in the operation of the type of industrial facilities that operate in the province;
• at least two people with expertise in climate change and greenhouse gas emission reduction; and
• a deputy minister or an assistant deputy minister of a government department or a person holding an equivalent position in government.

The provincial government will select a chairperson from the appointed members.

The Climate Change Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change will support the Council and provide secretariat services.

Competency Profile:

Those who make up the Advisory Council should collectively possess the following core competencies:

• Expertise in the operation of the type of industrial facilities that operate in the province;
• Expertise in climate change and greenhouse gas emission reduction;
• Engineering expertise; and
• Expertise in reviewing complex and technical applications for funding support.

Qualifications:

The Management of Greenhouse Gas Regulations prescribe that, in conducting its work, the Advisory Council shall consider:

• The impact that the proposed project for which the money is being requested may have on climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the province;
• The quality of the evidence provided by the operator to demonstrate that the money will achieve a verifiable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in a reasonable period of time;
• The scientific, technical and operational evidence provided in support of the application;
• The cost effectiveness of the proposed project for which the money is being requested in relation to the proposed reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; and
• The economic and social benefits that may accrue as a result of the proposed project for which the money is being requested.

Professional and personal attributes required of Advisory Council members should therefore include:

• High ethical standards and integrity;
• Appreciation of the engineering, planning, financial, and operational considerations that an applicant may be considering;
• Knowledge and experience in funding proposal review, assessment and recommendations;
• Knowledge of conflict of interest requirements;
• Experience in working with stakeholders; and
• Strong reasoning skills.

Time Commitments:

The expected time commitment for Advisory Council members per year will vary, depending on available funding, the number of proposals that may be received, and how the council chooses to organize its work. Board members may also be expected to spend additional time to review materials and prepare for Board and Committee meetings.

Term:

Members of the Advisory Council shall be appointed for a term of up to three years and are eligible for reappointment.