Debates of October 13, 2005 (day 9)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, each and every year there are travellers encountering more and more problems with bison on Highway No. 3. Motorists are continually being warned to pay close attention against collision with these animals. The problem, Mr. Speaker, is it’s getting worse. As winter is fast approaching, darkness falls a lot earlier. Bison on the highway jeopardize safety of motorists and cause serious injuries or carnage of these animals.

Two weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, a constituent of mine wrote off his vehicle because he ran into a full-grown buffalo on Highway No. 3. There is little time to react because they are not easy to see in the dark. I’m certain, Mr. Speaker, that I speak for most of the motorists in the North, especially the ones who travel on Highway No. 3, that it is a matter of time until a serious accident or multi-fatalities occur. Every year these bison get closer and closer to Yellowknife and as that portion of Highway No. 3 is used for the most part by my constituents of the Tlicho region, I am very concerned about that issue.

I have heard a number of suggestions from my constituents; ideas that I think will help formulate a strategy for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in dealing with this bison hazard. Mr. Speaker, waiting for a serious accident to occur before we set legislation in place is not being proactive, it’s being reactive. We must not wait any longer.

Mr. Speaker, it makes more sense to use one of the suggestions of using fluorescent tags on these bison so motorists can see them from a distance. Also using rubber bullets to encourage them to stay away from highways. Another suggestion I fully support is local members harvesting these bison during the winter season, Mr. Speaker. I will have some questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources on this issue. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause