Mr. Speaker, Return to Written Question 6-12(3) asked by Mr. Zoe to the Minister of Renewable Resources concerning research undertaken on the future of hunting, fishing and trapping in the north.
The Department of Renewable Resources recognizes that many territorial residents want to continue hunting, trapping and fishing, both to provide food as well as an income. As Minister, I want these activities to continue.
The department has many programs that provide support to harvesters and the renewable resources sector of the economy. These programs support existing uses of renewable resources and also encourage new uses for renewable resources. They range from developing a fur strategy to expand the northern fur industry; to monitoring the size and condition of wildlife populations so that new harvesting opportunities can be identified; to expanding opportunities within offshore and inland fisheries.
Rather than outline all of the various programs and activities, I have invited Mr. Zoe to meet with departmental staff, who will be pleased to provide information and respond to questions.