Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I just finished telling the Minister that about three years ago, the Department of Renewable Resources had people going into communities talking with them with regard to the issue of firefighting. At the meeting in Fort Smith, we specifically identified the need to have fire towers established in about five areas. I have mentioned the Horne Plateau, Sibbeston Mountain, Redknife Mountain and there were others close to Wrigley that we were looking at to ensure that there is provision by having those towers there and less spent on aircraft. That was the encouragement we thought we had put across to the department. It seems to me, Mr. Chairman, that in the region of the western Arctic fire is a big issue. This year was pretty bad, but we don't see it. We don't even see it reflected in the budget.

I am also suggesting that as far as the priorities of the government: the land; environment; animals; and, the people that depend on them, it isn't a priority. I appreciate the Minister suggesting that they are going to be going out and consulting again, but we have already done that once. Most of the older generation who fought fires before say that it is not a question about when you go out. They say if there is a fire, you go out now and solve your problems right there.

Most of the time what happens now is there is so much red tape and bureaucracy that you can't even determine whose jurisdiction fires are in. I know because I was in Lutsel K'e this summer and there were problems between who should be fighting the fire about 20 miles from Lutsel K'e. Yellowknife said it is their fire. It is this business of mine and yours that causes everything to get out of control.

I really have a concern here, Mr. Chairman, and I am expressing it. I don't know how much stronger I should be expressing it to make the government see that this is not a small issue. There just isn't enough money there to address what should be a priority of this government.