Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The traditional economy is a critical component of the Northwest Territories economy. For many community residents these activities are not only a traditional way of life but a matter of necessity.
The traditional economy has sustained the Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories for thousands of years, providing food, clothing, shelter, tools and goods for trade. The Government of the Northwest Territories recognizes both the economic value and inherent challenges in traditional harvesting. The government is taking action to ensure traditional economy practices continue and that these traditional values are sustained. This support serves to advance the 16th Legislative Assembly’s goal of a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment provides funding assistance through the Community Harvesters Assistance Program to local wildlife committees for distribution to their respective memberships. Funding is available for renewable resource harvesters for the purchase of small tools and related equipment required to store, process and preserve foods from community hunts or harvests.
Mr. Speaker, the Community Harvesters Assistance Program is particularly important in the small communities where incomes are substantially lower and local economies are less diversified compared to the larger regional centres. This funding plays a key role in ensuring community hunts and harvests take place and that families who rely on food that is traditionally harvested have a reliable food source.
Many households outside regional centres rely on food that is traditionally harvested for over 50 percent of the meat and fish they consume. The economic realities faced by these small communities are challenging and make the traditional economy a vital and valued economic sector of the North.
Mr. Speaker, in 2011-2012, with the full support and direction of the Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities committee, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment will invest an additional $475,000. This brings the total budget of the Community Harvesters Assistance Program to over $1 million.
This investment has been made as part of the government’s Maximizing Opportunities Strategic Initiative. This will offset the high costs associated with harvesting in remote northern communities while continuing to support traditional practices. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Ms. Lee.
