Shane Thompson

I thank the Minister for the answer. I think, probably, the standing committee would probably wish to see that. My second question is: I understand that more than 3.5 million hectares of forest have been burned in recent years, leaving behind large tracts of dry and boreal forest. Of course, much of it is in the South Mackenzie region. Using this timber might be an environmentally better source for Aurora Wood Pellet's operations. Has the company considered this, and, if so, what were the results of this consideration?

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I thank the Minister for that answer. Has the department been working with the federal government for a potential program in this area again, or is that not going to happen again? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will likely soon have a new industry in our territory manufacturing wood pellets. Aurora Wood Pellets' operation in Enterprise is expected to create many jobs at its mills and jobs for wood cutters from two First Nations communities. This is a very good thing.

I see from the records of the NWT Land and Water Board that green trees will be cut at various sites for pellet-making. Cleared lands are expected to regrow naturally without tree planting. The cuttings that have been approved are deemed to be sustainable for our forest. This is also good.

What is...

Thank you, and I'd like to applaud the department for doing that. I think it is much needed for the territory, and I think this is a good first step. My last question is: there was a reduction in the policy and legislation communication of about $35,000; what is the reason for this reduction? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. Can the Minister expand on that occupational health and safety position? Is that allocated in a regional centre, or is that a headquarter position that looks after the territory? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can the Minister please tell us if this position was actually filled at this time, or was this a vacant position? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I thank the Minister for that answer. I guess I know in my riding, especially the Fort Liard area, in the past, the government has invited them to go to the conference, and it's been big, I guess, very supportive for the community and something for the future. So I guess my question is, I understand, you know, that we're doing a plan and a strategy and that, but would we not want to invite or engage the communities that wish to be down there and support them to go there, presently? So will the Minister look at potentially working with Fort Liard to send somebody or a...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Could the Minister please elaborate further in regard to that costsharing position? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

No, I'll ask that question in 231. Thank you.

My final question in regards to this topic here today is: what limits has ENR established overall to the annual sustainable harvest of forests for the south and west of the Great Slave Lake?