Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to comment on a serious wildlife management issue which, again, demonstrates that the Canadian justice system is not meeting the needs of aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories.

On March 12 and 13 of this year, several members of the Canadian Armed Forces participated in a northern training exercise termed operation Reliant Nordic, near Coppermine. At that time, a caribou herd was moving to the area. On at least two occasions, the armed forces personnel fired at the caribou and killed some animals of that herd. I was dismayed, Mr. Speaker, when I heard that all three members charged with these wildlife offences received an absolute discharge in the territorial courts. This is not right, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that the soldiers were using automatic weapons with non-expanding ammunition. I also understand that these charges were dropped as a result of plea bargaining which took place when they agreed to plead guilty to hunting offenses. Mr. Speaker, there has been much discussion of the new federal firearms legislation and the impact it may have on aboriginal hunters.

I am concerned that the court's decision has given the message to other members of the military and, perhaps sport hunters who visit our northern environment, that these statutes and regulations do not apply to them.

Mr. Speaker, aboriginal people share a very special spiritual relationship with the animals of our land. They sustain us and we look after them. They are part of the gift given to Mother Nature by the Creator and we get the guidance of that gift. We would not be fulfilling our spiritual responsibility if we sat silently by while visitors to our homeland violate the values that have formed the basis of our Dene lifestyle for centuries.

Accordingly, I rise today to condemn the actions of the armed forces personally with the operation Nordic Reliant and justice system, which clearly does not care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause