Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in recent weeks in Tsiigehtchic, Tsiigehtchic has had an unusual number of wild animals coming into the community. Can the Minister comment on how current renewable resource officers address this situation? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, currently, we have two wildlife officers from Inuvik in the community with a live bear trap trying to trap the bear that has been wandering around there. As well, we have another wildlife officer from Fort McPherson, I believe, who is going to be stationed in the community for a couple of nights. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, that is great to hear. When communities without their own renewable resource officers need the department's assistance on a wildlife call, especially when it happens outside working hours, what should residents do?
Mr. Speaker, my understanding is pretty well all the communities in the Northwest Territories do have wildlife officers, but in the cases of where they are not available or there is nobody there, they have an emergency wildlife line that they can call. If that number is not readily available in Tsiigehtchic or posted where a lot of residents can see it, then I will ask the department to ensure that the numbers are posted where residents of Tsiigehtchic are able to see it.
Mr. Speaker, roughly when can we expect to see the new officer position filled and a new officer taking up their work in the community?
Mr. Speaker, my understanding is the new officer for the community of Tsiigehtchic is going to be starting by the end of October.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in past cases like we have in Tsiigehtchic, ENR let hunters take down problem bears in emergency situations. Would it be all right if hunters helped out with the emergency situation, in a safe manner, of course? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, public safety and the safety of the community is our first concern. If the community feels that there is a problem bear or one that is a threat to the community, they are able to take it down. As the Member said, it would have to be done in a safe manner. We would like to have our wildlife officers do it, but if they are not available and there is a threat, then they would be able to take the bear down. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
