Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation not provided.] Mr. Speaker, some First Nations that live around Great Slave Lake are stating that they were not consulted in the development of the GNWT fishing strategy.
The ITI Minister tabled the Strategy for Revitalizing the Great Slave Lake Commercial Fishery in the House last week. A ceremony was held in Hay River to celebrate this milestone of the 70-year-old industry.
Mr. Speaker, in developing the Commercial Fishing Strategy, the question of whether true meaningful consultations were carried out in engaging all parties, including First Nations, to provide the basis for support or consent remains unclear.
The important question is: does the GNWT have responsibility of Great Slave Lake and the fishing resources or is it the Department of Fisheries and Oceans?
Mr. Speaker, the K'atlodeeche First Nations hosted a conference on the Hay River Reserve along with several First Nation groups that live along Great Slave Lake. A major discussion item was the fisheries management of Great Slave Lake. ITI officials were invited but did not attend.
Mr. Speaker the last time I checked, the Government of the Northwest Territories is a public government, and working with all people in the NWT is an absolute necessity. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
