Debates of August 20, 2007 (day 13)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Beluga whales were spotted in the Husky Lakes area late last week and once again the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters' and Trappers' Committee are concerned they may stay trapped inside the Husky Lakes if the Department of Fisheries and Oceans do not do something about the beluga whales.

The Tuk HTC discussed the issue of beluga whales at the annual general meeting and I should note the superintendent of ENR from the Inuvik region was in attendance. Mr. Speaker, subsequently, we had an opportunity to speak with an official from Yellowknife and was provided with information that generally beluga whales migrate into Husky Lakes every five years. This is the second year in a row that belugas have entered Husky Lakes, Mr. Speaker, and the HTC is concerned about their well-being.

Mr. Speaker, the Tuk HTC would like to do something about these whales. However, they do not have the resources or funding. The Tuk HTC have decided they will let nature take its course and hopefully these belugas will eventually find their way out of Husky Lakes.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, belugas were trapped in Husky Lakes last year. Fisheries Joint Management Committee and DFO decided to let nature take its course and hope the beluga whales will eventually migrate out. Unfortunately, they were trapped in ice that formed around them. Mr. Speaker, as…(inaudible)…as it was last fall, the HTC decided to harvest the beluga whales for distribution to other Beaufort-Delta communities. The harvesting of these belugas by the Tuk HTC was conducted only because they received necessary resources from the Department of ENR. The outlying communities were very thankful to receive the muktuk.

Mr. Speaker, the Fisheries Joint Management Committee is responsible for the management of fish and water mammals around the Beaufort-Delta region. I would appreciate and request the Minister of ENR to communicate with FJMC, DFO and Tuk HTC to resolve the problems of the belugas in Husky Lakes. Mr. Speaker, in the fall season, if something cannot be done to chase the whales out of Husky Lakes, there is a possibility they will remain in Husky Lakes and die eventually.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, beluga whales are one species that the Inuvialuit depend on for traditional meat. Let’s hope the appropriate government will rise to the occasion to what is right: free the whales. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause