Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have questions for Minister Miltenberger in his capacity of Minister of ENR, not on the TTC this time. Madam Speaker, my question is with regard to the Ingraham Trail. I have constituents along the trail, as well as every other Yellowknife MLA, who have legal cabins out there. In the past, they brought forward their concerns and the former Minister of RWED, Minister Bell, started actioning a program to help deal with some of those concerns, but he no longer carries that portfolio. The concerns brought forward were garbage, trail establishment, clear-cutting, bonfires, lean-to potties -- believe me, I have pictures -- and gunfire attacks on killer trees. With all those types of things that are out there, what will the new Minister of this portfolio do to help protect the people out there and their personal property? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The honourable Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 68-15(4): Protection Of Ingraham Trail

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Of course, this is part of providing good government with continuity and consistency and the plan to follow the commitments that were initiated by Mr. Bell. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 68-15(4): Protection Of Ingraham Trail

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. To avoid taking the question as notice, I will issue a general one. Would the Minister be willing to assure me today that the patrols will be stepped up to ensure that property is safe, people are not clear-cutting, shooting, or attacking killer trees? Would he assure me that the patrols are out there protecting people and ensuring that property is safe? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Minister Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 68-15(4): Protection Of Ingraham Trail

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Further to commitments made by my colleague Mr. Bell, there is a working group that is being pulled together with the various authorities collectively putting their heads together to come up with a work plan over the course of the summer to jointly look at the issues that cost the various mandates to ensure we can address some of the issues that my colleague has raised. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 68-15(4): Protection Of Ingraham Trail

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I appreciate that answer and I appreciate what Minister Bell has started by establishing that working group. I would like to see that lead continue because it does affect a lot of people. Could I have the commitment from this Minister to assure me in this House today, so I can go back to some constituents of mine, that this working group will be meeting very shortly, in whatever capacity, so we can get some true results out there so people can see that the RCMP and our parks officers are jointly patrolling these areas? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Minister Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 68-15(4): Protection Of Ingraham Trail

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. There has been some work with involved parties, with the unfortunate exception of INAC who we have tried to get to the table with no success as of yet. We will continue the work and I will be prepared to keep the Member apprised of any plans that come out of this work or issues they determine have to be dealt with. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 68-15(4): Protection Of Ingraham Trail

Robert Hawkins

Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am looking for a further commitment from the Minister to see if we can step up some of the patrols. I know there has been some presence in our parks, but the constituents are asking for more visual presence on the weekends, especially the long weekends. Can I get that commitment today? Generally, most of these areas are referring to just past the Cameron River and towards Yellowknife. Those are the areas of highest contention. Again, I am referring to legalized cabin areas. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Minister Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 68-15(4): Protection Of Ingraham Trail

Michael Miltenberger

Thebacha

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will commit to provide the Member with the information. I will go back to the department to see what they have planned for the summer to address some of the issues on the table and the initial work that has been done by the working group. Thank you.