(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In 1993-94, the Department of Renewable Resources (End of translation) will continue to adjust its programs and services to respond to the changing needs of territorial residents. Although the mandate of the department remains the same, it is how we do the job that is changing. The need for employment opportunities, especially in the smaller communities where sustainable use of renewable resources has potential for growth, and the demand for cleaner

air, water and land by residents are the primary influences causing the changes.

The ratification of Nunavut and Gwich'in claims establishes new resource management systems. We want these new systems to be successful. Staff is being directed to assist resource management boards and communities to sustain and use renewable resources effectively.

We hope to use some of the implementation funds to improve our contact with communities. For example, we are presently developing a new program for training potential renewable resource officers for the Nunavut area. These added "eyes and ears" should help adapt departmental programs to be more sensitive to local needs.

Mr. Chairman, I support increased involvement of residents in resource management. I believe that the polar bear management agreements are an excellent example of co-management. The agreements are based on information provided by harvesters and scientists and are ratified by harvesters from communities who hunt a shared polar bear population.

In 1993-94, agreements for three more polar bear populations, that are only hunted by territorial residents, will be drafted. Greater effort is also being placed on developing agreements with polar bear populations shared with harvesters in Manitoba, Quebec and Greenland.

In the Liard area, we are working with communities to prepare a resource management plan for forests. If resource users are to continue to benefit from renewable resources, the management plans must accommodate their needs while maintaining the productivity of the resource. I have been very pleased with the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and hard work the communities have shown. Together, I believe, we will take much better care of the resources we value so highly. Showing the rest of the world that we have effective resource management plans that maintain our animals and plant populations, will do more to counter anti-harvest lobbies.

We are also applying this approach to our forest fire management program. A review is currently being conducted to find ways to increase local employment and business opportunities and to ensure that we are using the most effective management techniques.

Depending on the fire season, this program can provide full-time, seasonal or casual employment for almost 1,000 residents. The majority of forest fire employees are affirmative action candidates. Additional residents are hired through contracts issued to various community corporations to provide forest fire management services.

In 1993-94, the department will stress the development of opportunities for residents to benefit from our renewable resources. A territorial fur strategy will be presented to the Legislative Assembly and the public to review and implement. A draft forest management policy will be distributed for public review. This should help establish priorities for forest uses, such as trapping, recreation and logging. The department will continue to represent the interest of residents in gaining more access to commercial quotas on marine fish resources. We will continue to conduct population surveys to respond to requests from communities that wish to harvest wildlife for outfitting or other commercial purposes.

The last service area we are changing is in response to the public's demand for clean air, water and land. The challenge is complex and requires national and international cooperation because most contaminants come from areas outside of the Northwest Territories. The department is involved in many programs that aim to monitor clean up and prevent the release of contaminants.

Independently, and in association with the Department of Health and federal agencies, the department is monitoring contaminants in the water, fish, wildlife, soil and air. Depending upon the study, samples are analyzed for the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, radioactive compounds and so on. These analyses can be very expensive and require specialized equipment. Through these studies, people can be kept advised of potential health problems. We also try to determine the origin of contaminants so that we can decide how to prevent the future release of the contaminants, if possible.

We have put a lot of effort in working with various programs of the federal government to clean up the northern environment. These efforts are a direct result of public requests. Programs include advising on priorities for clean up of abandoned military sites, dumps and chemical spills. We also provide technical assistance for communities to discard hazardous chemicals safely and to clean up garbage left at old campsites.

However, where the most amount of effort should be placed is in preventing the initial release of contaminants. That is why we are pushing to complete agreements on water quality and upstream neighbours. All parties are undertaking a legal review of the master agreements and we will be coordinating a meeting of western environment Ministers to recommit to this process. Five out of seven bilateral agreements are nearing finalization and we expect to sign an Alberta/NWT water quality agreement in the near future. As well, we are completing the drafting of regulations which will require contingency plans for any organization using contaminants. Emphasis is placed on public education to not be litterbugs and to reduce the volume of garbage by reusing and recycling.

Mr. Chairman, as Members review the proposed budget and activities of the Department of Renewable Resources for 1993-94, I welcome more suggestions for how we can improve our programs and services. We are conducting this work for the benefit of our children and their children. We must prove to them that we have done the best job possible in a short time and that we are responsible for the management of our forest, waters and wildlife. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.