Debates of November 27, 2007 (day 3)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to follow up on my Member’s statement to the Minister of ENR. Like I mentioned in my Member’s statement, the buffalo issue in the community of Fort Liard, they’ve been trying to address it for some time now. I’d just like to ask the Minister, is he aware of any current or existing meetings or initiatives to address the buffalo issue in Fort Liard?

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

Return To Question 18-16(1): Bison Management Plan For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that the department has indicated to me that they are working on the paperwork to increase the number of tags for Liard from one to six so that we can, if necessary, have animals taken down. DOT has indicated that they are looking at putting a heavy-duty fence around the airport to keep the animals out. As well, we’re working with ENR on a pilot basis with some electrified fencing to see if that will work. We are still committed, although it is late, in coming up with a broader plan that’s going to allow us to address this issue where it exists not only in Liard, in the Member’s constituency, but other areas as well. Thank you.

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

Supplementary To Question 18-16(1): Bison Management Plan For Fort Liard

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I know that the word bison management plan has been used before and the Minister didn’t really refer to that in his answer. Is there going to be a specific bison management plan for and around the community of Fort Liard?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 18-16(1): Bison Management Plan For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, that is the intention. The intention was to have it completed, as the Member indicated in his Member’s statement, by this fall. That timeline has now been advanced to winter. I will keep the Member fully apprised as we get a draft of that done that can be shared with him. Thank you.

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

Supplementary To Question 18-16(1): Bison Management Plan For Fort Liard

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Does this plan also include meeting with the community and/or having public meetings in the community? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 18-16(1): Bison Management Plan For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the community will be consulted both in the evolution and development and completion of this plan, but, as well, as we move to go from one tag to six, there’s also a consultation component required there to be worked through with the community and that will take place, as well. Thank you.

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

Supplementary To Question 18-16(1): Bison Management Plan For Fort Liard

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to…If the Minister can commit to advertising the meeting well in advance. There was a previous meeting last year but it wasn’t well attended because of last-minute notices. If they can plan the meeting much more in advance, Mr. Speaker. Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 18-16(1): Bison Management Plan For Fort Liard

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I acknowledge the Member’s good advice and will commit to make sure that the meetings are advertised with enough advance notice so that people have every opportunity to attend. Thank you.