Debates of June 2, 2004 (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement, I made reference to seasonal and healthy lifestyles enjoyed by the people of the Mackenzie Delta and elsewhere across the Territories. I want to ask the Minister of RWED if he would assess the priority of his department, so that we can have a designated renewable resource economist assigned to the Inuvik region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. The honourable Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 199-15(3): Supporting Traditional Harvesting Lifestyle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is something that the Member and I and my department have been in some discussion about, not the specific position of a renewable resource economist, but more to the point of what we need to look at with renewable resources, work with communities to better understand where there are economic opportunities that are acceptable to the communities and economic opportunities that individual entrepreneurs would like to pursue. We do have business development people in the regions who can be actively engaged in this regard. It’s probably more appropriate than renewable resource officers, who have had a slightly different mandate, as the Member knows. Certainly it has merit. This discussion is important as we look to understand and identify opportunities that will allow us to take full advantage, especially of traditional lifestyles. Certainly this is a message that I have sent to the department and we are in discussion about how to pursue this course of action. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Allen.

Supplementary To Question 199-15(3): Supporting Traditional Harvesting Lifestyle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the context of the Minister’s reply, I want to commend the department for their continued support of the fur harvesters’ program, fur pricing program. I think it’s important as well to make the Minister aware that even though there is some renewed interest in how they are going to address the renewable resource sector, I still think it’s important that they consider the fact that we need to have the same level of investment in the renewable resource sector to mitigate some of the socioeconomic impacts that the pipeline proposal would bring, so we can continue to enhance that level of lifestyle. I certainly hope the Minister would respond to the question of whether his department would support this subsistence-based lifestyle that is enjoyed by most communities and will be directly impacted by the pipeline. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 199-15(3): Supporting Traditional Harvesting Lifestyle

Thank you. I will certainly commit to continue with the programs we are currently providing in this regard. I think they are very important and very worthwhile. The member has indicated a couple and we’ve received a lot of response from other jurisdictions who really envy the fur pricing program and suggest that this is unprecedented support for that industry. I would also like to add that this government recognizes the need to diversify our economy and ensure that we aren’t solely reliant on mining, oil and gas development. There are a lot of tourism opportunities and a lot of renewable resource opportunities. It is important for us to pay a lot of attention to these sectors because they are sustainable and they will be here, be with us and be strong going forward if, in fact, we provide that level of support. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Allen.

Supplementary To Question 199-15(3): Supporting Traditional Harvesting Lifestyle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We quite often talk amongst ourselves about the importance of supporting the renewable resource sector, but I haven’t seen any dialogue to date on the level of discussions. Is the Minister continuing to dialogue with the aboriginal corporation on the Gwich’in Tribal Council to try to enhance some of their motions that were presented during their board of directors meetings to facilitate and promote the renewable resource sector? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Allen. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 199-15(3): Supporting Traditional Harvesting Lifestyle

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Certainly we are having a lot of discussion internally in the department, but we do recognize the need to work very closely with our aboriginal government partners, with aboriginal development organizations. Obviously much of this activity will be grassroots driven. It’s not something that the government is interested nor should impose on regions. This should be to the comfort level of the individual communities and regions, but we want to work with them to help them understand and identify opportunities that there may be as we analyze world markets, because there really are a lot of resources we can tap into and we don’t have to be solely focussed on the ones that obviously jump to mind in terms of diamonds, gold and oil and gas. Thank you.