Madam Speaker, I have a reply to an oral question that was asked by Mr. Ballantyne on November 14th. It was asked of the Minister responsible for Renewable Resources about charges against an elder for hunting caribou illegally. Madam Speaker, for the last six or seven winters, caribou have been crossing the Ingraham Trail. Hunting along the road caused great concern for the safety of the public using the road and living along the road. The government's intent was to find a way to make the area safe for public use.

Initially, a seasonal no hunting corridor was established under the Wildlife Act. However, this was not adequate and was replaced in 1993, with a no shooting corridor along two segments of the Ingraham Trail. This corridor was established under the Area Development Act for the purpose of public safety and is in effect all year.

Signs marking the beginning and end of the two segments are posted along the highway in English, French and Dogrib. The Department of Renewable Resources monitors caribou movements around the Ingraham Trail and Highway 3. When caribou are in these areas, the public is alerted through media announcements and reminded of the no shooting corridor along the Ingraham Trail.

On November 11th, a treaty elder from Dettah was charged under the Area Development Act with discharging a firearm in the no shooting corridor along the Ingraham Trail and under the Wildlife Act for hunting without regard for the safety of other persons and property. A companion with the elder translated the discussions with the Renewable Resources officer. The caribou that was shot was not seized. Two summary offence tickets were issued for a total minimum fine of $295.

One other person was charged for similar offences over the long weekend and two persons are under investigation. Thank you, Madam Speaker.