Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to comment on the failure of the federal government to apologize for an incident which occurred during the Canadian Armed Forces exercise known as project Nordic Reliance. Mr. Speaker, honourable Members will recall a group of armed forces personnel, engaged in so-called survival training, came onto traditional hunting grounds within the Northwest Territories and slaughtered a number of caribou. They had not obtained proper licenses or approval. There was much evidence that they had used automatic weapons and assault style ammunition. They killed our caribou cruelly and illegally.
Mr. Speaker, aboriginal northerners have a special relationship with the animals and our land. They have nurtured the land for thousands of years and in return we value them and keep them safe. That is why the Creator put them on this earth and that is also why we are here. It offends our values and spiritual beliefs when we see such careless and unnecessary slaughter. It is an offence against what we believe in.
Unfortunately, the justice system which has been imposed upon us does not recognize the significance of that offence. In this case, Judge Bourassa gave each of the federal poachers a very light slap on the wrist when they pleaded guilty in territorial court. The federal Minister, the Honourable Kim Campbell, apparently does not understand the seriousness of the action committed by these representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces.
I was quite annoyed yesterday to learn that even though the Premier has written letters and met with the federal Minister, there has been no formal response from the Department of National Defence or the Canadian Armed Forces.
We should continue to pursue this matter, Mr. Speaker, and I accept nothing short of a complete and formal apology from Ms. Campbell and the regimental commander involved. I urge the Premier to take a forceful stand in her dealings with the federal government on this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.