Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve yet to speak about the caribou issue, as some have been calling it, and so I will do so today.
Even though I haven’t spoken yet, I have been considering all aspects of it every day for the last week and more, listening to my colleagues on both sides of the House, listening to elders and other residents as they speak to us in person and via the media. I’ve been trying to reconcile the arguments, the concerns, the differences of opinions and the different positions. It has been difficult to do.
At the core of this issue is the need for conservation of the caribou, the need to ensure their survival for as many years into the future as the number of years that have passed already. That should be the basis for any discussions on this matter. But of paramount importance, as well, is the right of aboriginal people to hunt as they have done since time immemorial. The temporary ban has led to an impasse, a difference of opinions, a lack of agreement on how things should proceed and how things should have been done. I believe, in the science that has been presented to me, that the Bathurst caribou herd is in great distress; that without some intervention, the herd will become extinct. I believe in the right of aboriginal people to hunt. I also believe that there is a solution out there waiting to be found.
I am, by nature, a person who uses negotiation before confrontation. I strongly advocate that the parties to this dispute respect each other and negotiate a solution to this problem. The differences can be worked out if all parties keep an open mind, have the right attitude and treat each other fairly. There is a right way forward and any actions should not be politicized or personalized. The preservation of the caribou is a much bigger issue than the need for people to save face and come out winners. There can be no human winners here, just the caribou.
Mr. Speaker, I know a middle ground can be found, that there is a solution acceptable to all parties. I urge our leaders in every area to continue the dialogue, reflect on what is best for the caribou and find the consensus we need to put this disagreement to bed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
