Debates of October 25, 2006 (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week I did a Member’s statement on the beluga whales and…(inaudible)...Listening to the CBC report this afternoon, half of the 200 whales are making their way out of Husky Lakes. DFO is apparently watching and monitoring them very closely. Also, subsequently in the report this afternoon the president of hunters and trappers in Tuk indicated that if it comes down to it, if it’s necessary to harvest these beluga whales, that they don’t have the funds to do that. So I’d like to ask the Minister of ENR, will the funds be available at a certain point of time when they have to harvest these beluga whales? Thank you.

The honourable Minister responsible for ENR, Mr. Handley.

Return To Question 185-15(5): Beluga Whales In Husky Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I haven’t had a chance to talk to the deputy minister on this issue. I heard the reports this morning, but I can tell you that -- and I haven’t heard from the hunters' and trappers' association either -- but if there is a need for some support in harvesting those whales and not just waste the meat, then, yes, we will work with them. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Handley. Supplementary, Mr. Pokiak.

Supplementary To Question 185-15(5): Beluga Whales In Husky Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister’s response. I will keep him informed in regard to the beluga whales that are still stranded in Husky Lake and I will continue to work with him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. I don’t know if I heard a question there, Mr. Premier. Mr. Handley, I don’t know if there was a question there. Do you want to respond?

Beluga Whales In Husky Lake

Mr. Speaker, I didn’t hear a question, but I’d appreciate hearing from the people in the area and, as I said before, we’re ready to help in whatever way we can. Thank you.