Debates of June 5, 2012 (day 9)

Topics
Statements

QUESTION 91-17(3): FUR INDUSTRY IN MACKENZIE VALLEY

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a couple of questions for the Minister of ITI. I’d like to ask the Minister, I see we’ve had some great prices in the fur industry, are there plans this year to take hunters and youth on a tour of the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Auction House. I know it was done in the past.

Thank you, Mr. Blake. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. David Ramsay.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. That is something that we would give some consideration to if we were to receive such a proposal.

I’d also like to ask the Minister if there are plans – it’s along the same lines – I know a lot of trappers have noticed that there are a lot of otters which is somewhat of a new species in the Mackenzie Delta. A lot of people would like to see more trapping workshops that show trappers how to handle the species of the otter.

With over $1.3 million of harvested fur, and that money going back into communities around the Northwest Territories, it is important if there are opportunities for other species and the need arises for workshops, for otter, in this case, that’s something that the department would certainly look at providing to communities.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.