Calvin Pokiak

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I recently had an opportunity to visit my constituents in Sachs Harbour from January 9th to 12th, 2006. I was able to do home visits with many residents and hold a constituency meeting. I would like to thank the people of Sachs Harbour for their hospitality during my visit.

Mr. Speaker, I’m sure that this will come as no surprise to you that the number one concern for the residents of Sachs Harbour is the lack of RCMP presence in the community. I have raised this issue in this House on a number of occasions and am beginning to wonder if we will ever address...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I’ve decided to reflect back on 2005. Mr. Speaker, many elders in Nunakput passed away in 2005. In particular, my sister Annie Noksana and Uncle Bobby Taylor-Pokiak. My thoughts are with these families and I hope 2006 will bring a prosperous year.

Mr. Speaker, elections for municipal councils were also held in 2005. To the mayors and councils elected in Nunakput, I look forward to working with you during the life of this 15th Assembly. To the people of Sachs Harbour, thank you for your warm hospitality during my recent visit.

Mr. Speaker, also to those...

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. Braden. Mr. Minister.

Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort in the witnesses.

Mr. Minister, can you please introduce your staff.

Good afternoon, committee members. We can proceed now with Bill 9 from Friday. Mr. Minister, would you like to resume your seat?

Mr. Minister, would you like to bring in witnesses?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to discuss an important issue that is of concern to my constituents and the residents of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, I am talking about the recent decline of the caribou. The decline in the number of caribou, in particular the Cape Bathurst, Bluenose West and Bluenose east herds. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources conducted a photo census survey in July 2005. The numbers, to date, for Cape Bathurst are 10,013 to 2,362 from 2000 to 2005; Bluenose West, 74,273 to 20,801; and the Bluenose East, from 104,000 to 66,584 from 2000...

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Braden.

We are on general comments. Mr. Braden.

Does committee agree?