Debates of March 4, 2005 (day 49)

Mr. Speaker, trapping is important for our life in the Sahtu. In the late 1980s, the trapping industry was pulling in over $5 million. In the year 2002, it is barely breaking the $1 million mark. Mr. Speaker, trappers are being affected by the oil and gas activities. Now they propose the Mackenzie gas pipeline. I understand that the Government of the Northwest Territories is the intervener at the hearings. I would like to ask the Minister of RWED, as being the lead in the oil and gas industry, what is he doing to consult with the trappers in terms of the pipeline? Thank you.

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

Return To Question 550-15(3): Impact Of Resource Development On Trapping

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think our most effective tools for consulting with trappers and people who use this activity for their sustenance is our renewable resource personnel in the regions and in the communities. I have had discussions in the Member’s riding on our most recent trip to Norman Wells with the regional office. They were certainly encouraged. Obviously the price of furs; this winter we have had indicated that numbers were up and things were looking good. But they have ongoing discussions with trappers in terms of discussing their needs, their thoughts on the season and the kinds of service that we can provide. We will continue to do that, and we will certainly be advocates for this industry in the upcoming interventions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 550-15(3): Impact Of Resource Development On Trapping

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister is correct in terms of his department doing as much as it can in terms of the regional trappers. This is our lifestyle for the trappers. This lifestyle is going to be impacted by the pipeline. I want to ask if the Minister of RWED and the government know the impacts on trappers in regard to the pipeline. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 550-15(3): Impact Of Resource Development On Trapping

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are very aware and believe that with development come some negative impacts and implications. I think that is why we were so enthusiastic in our support for the Protected Areas Strategy and that action plan. Together with the federal government and with industry, we recognize there is a need to protect areas that have been identified by communities as culturally or environmentally sensitive. That is one of the good approaches I think we are taking as a government and as a territory, to make sure that where there are very important areas to the people, communities and trappers, we make sure that there is either a limited development in that area or no development at all. That really comes down to the call of the community. We will continue to work with communities on this basis. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 550-15(3): Impact Of Resource Development On Trapping

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, thank you to the Minister. However, sometimes the call of the community falls on deaf ears by oil companies where an oil company in Colville Lake had run over some traps in that area even though the community probably wasn’t informed. The Minister of MACA gathered all of the leaders in November to hear what the leaders want to say about the oil and gas. I would like to ask the Minister of MACA, does he have any plans for the same, specifically for trappers in the Sahtu or any other regions to organize a regional meeting with trappers to discuss the impacts of oil and gas on their land? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 550-15(3): Impact Of Resource Development On Trapping

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think we have had a discussion about a specific forum only for the trapping industry at this point, but we have been involved in financially supporting and helping a group through our regional staff and have provided money to a group that was interested in conducting an oil and gas workshop in the region. We have been talking about prospective dates. I don’t have the latest information at my fingertips in terms of the dates that we have identified, but we are obviously providing support already to that and will continue to do so. I will pass on the thoughts to the region that we need to ensure that the interests of trappers are included in this type of forum because, as the Member points out, this is critical. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.