Michael Miltenberger

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we take this issue out of the murky shadows where it’s been lurking all these years unaddressed, those are some of the issues that are clearly on the table to be addressed; the issue of liability, of training, of standards, of access to adequate resources, the relationship between municipalities, Municipal and Community Affairs, Health and Social Services, and we intend, as I indicated, to be able to bring forward a document that we will be able to make sense out of that. Out of chaos will come order, as it were, and that’s the plan in the next few...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to quickly point out as I respond to this question that the issue of wildlife and road accidents is one that is an issue across the country. In Saskatchewan and Newfoundland, they estimate over $1 million in each of their jurisdictions as a result of collisions with wildlife; and the fundamental responsibility still is with the driver of the vehicle.

With regard to the Member’s specific question about when, we have already started work on a number of the areas we’ve already talked about and we are willing to sit down as soon as it can be...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is an issue of concern to the Department of Transportation as well as Energy and Natural Resources. There is work being done in terms of public education, better signage, trying to determine exactly from a scientific point of view if there are specific things that attract the bison to the road right-of-way. Extra money has been requested and put into the budget to, in fact, start that work. Thank you.

No, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in fact, I have had significant concerns to the extent that, on August 10th, I did write to the Minister of DIAND to express those concerns very clearly in writing about the need to have a functioning board and a board that engaged fully all the members to represent both the settled and unsettled claims areas. As I indicated, I did write to him very clearly outlining that concern. He responded on September 27th. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we do.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in part of the work that has already been done, there has been consultation with communities and service providers, I understand, to get their feedback on the service and how it could best be delivered. But as we proceed towards finalizing any recommendations, we’ll ensure that we have proper consultation both with Members of this House, communities and service providers. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s $25,000 more than the community of Fort Smith gets, but less than other communities. But the Member’s point is a good one, that this is an area where there is policy clarification that’s required. Transportation, Municipal and Community Affairs and Health and Social Services identified this some time ago now, and we intend to be able to bring forward a document in the next few weeks that’s going to lay out some options in terms of rationalizing and bringing some clarity to the whole issue of services both for ambulance services response on highways, and the more...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are issues with the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary, not only on Highway No. 3, but issues with the community of Fort Providence in terms of the buffalo in the community. We are very interested and will be taking steps to work with the local community governments to look at what options there are to try to deal with the issue of the bison, both on the road right-of-way and other areas of concern with this herd.

We have already tried rubber bullets in the past, I understand. It has a very short-term effect. The issue of some type of harvest is one we would...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Minister Scott clearly said in his letter that he was committed to a fully functioning board where all members, including Mr. Van Camp, are engaged and not put on the sidelines. It is my expectation that he will transmit that sentiment to the board chair and that this issue that has bedevilled us for some time now will no longer be on our agenda and we can all get back with the other pressing issues at hand. I will be tracking this issue very closely with the board member and, if necessary, we will take further action. The Premier, as well as the...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wish to table the following entitled Department of Environment and Natural Resources: Framework for Action, 2005-2008.