Wally Schumann

That is a regional function.

Thank you.

Yes. The Member is correct. That's exactly what we were expecting.

I will get Ms. Craig to answer that.

Thank you. I'm pleased to present the 2016-17 main estimates for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Overall, the department's estimate proposes a net increase of $4.3 million, or five per cent, over the 2015-2016 main estimates. These estimates have taken into consideration the priorities and the mandate of the 18th Assembly while responding to the need to be fiscally responsible. Highlights of the proposed estimates include:

$5.9 million increase in the budget for suppression of wildland fires;

$1.6 million for the continued implementation of the Water Stewardship Strategy...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In an attempt to minimize the impact of changes to the communities like Fort Resolution, ENR over the last two years, like I've said, has gone to only permanently hiring four out of the five-man crews. The fifth person for each crew has been hired on an as-and-when-needed basis as a casual for the summer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the department anticipated this, we did a review a while back, a couple of years, on where we were going with fire crews. Over the last two fire seasons we've gone to basically having four four-man crews there with casual staff hired in these positions. We're still anticipating hiring these two individuals as casuals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes. That is exactly right.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell the House about a man who has played an important role in the lives of many in the Northwest Territories.

My uncle, Jim Schaefer, was born April 7, 1937 and spent much of his early years on the trap line. He spent the early years of his adult life working for Northern Transportation Company Limited and Northwest Territories Power Corporation, travelling to many communities up and down the valley and east to Gjoa Haven, building generator stations and putting up power lines.

Jim met his wife in Fort Resolution and...

Tsiigehtchic trapping is a partnership with MACA and Health and Social Services.