Debates of February 2, 2006 (day 21)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of ENR just following up on the concerns of Fort Liard constituents with regard to their buffalo problems they've been having, as well as in Nahanni Butte. The last time we exchanged topic ground on this, Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicated it was a free-roaming herd and they were going to initiate some type of management plan, and that's what the community has been looking for, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to ask the Minister if and when consideration of this plan will be done for these communities. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister responsible for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 325-15(4): Bison Problems In Fort Liard And Nahanni Butte

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the work on the plan is underway. We're trying to address a number of species, including barren land caribou, the woodland caribou, as well as the bison in its various herds. I anticipate that before spring we should have a document that would be ready to go. Prior to that, we'll be able to circulate some drafts. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 325-15(4): Bison Problems In Fort Liard And Nahanni Butte

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That's what the community is looking for; is what actually is the ministry going to be doing about this herd. There are about 350 animals. Has the department done any consultation in the communities of Nahanni Butte and Fort Liard with respect to their management plan? Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 325-15(4): Bison Problems In Fort Liard And Nahanni Butte

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're working on the document, and part of the plan when we have something of substance to take forward is we will do the consultation with the Member and the communities to ensure that we're on the right track and that we maintain a collaborative approach. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 325-15(4): Bison Problems In Fort Liard And Nahanni Butte

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'm glad to hear that we're moving with this particular initiative, however, spring and summer is coming and the big concern for the constituents is that the free-roaming herds are digging up their gardens and ruining trees in the communities on their properties. Has the department looked at exactly what will they be doing in the meantime, particularly this coming spring? Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 325-15(4): Bison Problems In Fort Liard And Nahanni Butte

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're aware of some of the concerns in Liard, as the Premier has brought the issue back from one of his trips there. It's similar concerns that have been raised in Providence, with the animals in the communities destroying property and such. We're looking at some options such as possibly having to destroy a number of the animals to get them out of the community, as well as other ways to try to keep them away. So we're looking at some of those options, keeping in mind that these bison are, I believe, in danger and we have to be careful how we proceed within the parameters of the regulations and policies. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 325-15(4): Bison Problems In Fort Liard And Nahanni Butte

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I like that response from the Minister, because the buffalo concern and the damage is very serious in these communities and I'm sure they'll be looking forward to the establishment of a buffalo bill for the management of these buffalos there, Mr. Speaker. No questions there, Mr. Speaker. Thanks.