Mr. Arngna'naaq, your time has expired.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

There is unanimous consent, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

SILAS ARNGNA'NAAQ: Thank you. That was the end of the statement.

Item 4, Members' Statements. Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say a few words today about the elders who form the pillars of our communities across the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, there are few among us who would question the significance of elders in a traditional northern society, yet everywhere I travel in the north, I see decisions being made for elders rather than by elders. I see a system of government that has no formal mechanism for heeding the guidance, the wisdom and the courage these elders can apply.

In 1988, Mr. Speaker, Canada's Commission to U.N.E.S.C.O. commented the following and I quote, "in most known western cultures, elders are the memories, the mythologies and consequently the true guides to a balanced and continued existence. Elders offer a wisdom which is too scarce and a valuable resource to squander. In light of the recent cultural tragedies, gradual erosion and loss of language, values and most importantly identity. There is a real need, an immediate need, to draw upon this collective wisdom. A true leadership role for elders around the world must be created."

Sadly, Mr. Speaker -- and I have spoken on this on several occasions -- I believe that, as a public government, we have overlooked these truths for far too long. We must adjust our approach to public sector decision making at the territorial level and at the community level, so that it is always a formal, significant leadership role for our community elders.

Mr. Speaker, in listening to the lessons of the past, I believe we can only be strengthened for meeting the challenges of the future. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 4, Members' Statements. Mr. Allooloo.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today at 12:00 p.m., I turned on my radio to listen to the Baffin region. I heard from my community that during this week, which is National Addictions Awareness Week, there was a feast held in many communities. People are holding meetings with elders, young people, along with children and community members. They are going to have a feast today in my community. I would like to be there but, as we are in session here I am unable to attend. My heart is with them, with the people who will be feasting and dancing tonight, in recognition of the National Addictions Awareness Week. I remember them in my heart and I am envious. They are promoting alcohol and drug awareness to everybody in a positive manner in their communities in recognition of National Addictions Awareness Week, and having a good time at the same time including everybody young or old. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 4, Members' Statements. Item 5, Returns to Oral Questions. Item 6, Oral Questions. Ms. Mike.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Renewable Resources. I have concern over the shameful incident which occurred outside Coppermine with the armed forces, operation Noridic Reliant. It does not give me much confidence in the Canadian Armed Forces' ability to protect me if they are not even capable of researching the regulations and policies established in the area where they are conducting their activities. I am concerned that in court they tried to claim that it was not their responsibility to find out what the hunting and firearm regulations were and that they should have been told about it by Renewable Resources officers. Perhaps the Minister could clarify this for me. Is it the responsibility of his department to ensure that each and every hunter knows the hunting regulations, or is it the responsibility of the hunter to do his or her homework before harvesting our northern wildlife?

Thank you. Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too am concerned about the decision which was taken by the judge. It was our officers who charged these soldiers and took them to court. In our opinion they were breaking the law. The decision was made by the judge that they would be let go and there is nothing at this point which the department can do.

It is the responsibility of the individual to know the laws of this country, whether they are hunters or otherwise. Thank you.

Supplementary, Ms. Mike.

Mr. Speaker, since this incident has happened, what action has the Minister taken to ensure that military personnel are fully aware of regulations which govern hunting practices during the time they are in the Northwest Territories?

Thank you. Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is the responsibility of the department to let their personnel know of the laws which govern the Northwest Territories, not just for hunting. We expect them to understand and to adhere to the laws of the Northwest Territories when they are in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Recognizing that these individuals committed an illegal act and walked away with an absolute discharge, will the Minister make a commitment to undertake a comprehensive review of the relevant section of the Wildlife Act and Regulations to ensure that this will never happen again?

Thank you. Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will attempt to see where we could improve the act. It is always up to the judge to decide whether the party who has been charged is guilty or not guilty. It is not up to the department. We will try to make sure that there is adequate protection for wildlife conservation in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, Oral Questions. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Honourable Stephen Kakfwi, Minister of Justice. Mr. Speaker, I feel I speak for the smaller remote communities across the territories, either Dene or Inuit. Most of the Members have travelled throughout the territories and have talked to individuals and groups. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, we have talked to people who are disadvantaged within the system.

One thing that is often brought to my attention is that the court cases in smaller communities are not dealt with in a reasonable time. I would like to ask the Minister if the Government of the N.W.T., the Department of Justice, is looking at correcting the system? People are complaining that when a court party does go into the smaller communities, after waiting for a long time for them to come, they are only there for one day and because of the time allotment they are not able to deal with all the cases. This is a real agony for the people who are waiting to be tried. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Kakfwi.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ningark.