Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have to agree with Mr. Gargan that it is something that the department has to take a very close look at. When a department of the government has to spend millions of dollars on incremental funds, it has to be something we have to look at very seriously. For a number of years, the department has looked at how we can fight fires in a better way. The consultations that were made previously were on how the department presently operates. I have committed to taking a look at exactly how we should be improving.

I have indicated that I would like to attend some of these community meetings and be sure that elders are contacted to give their opinion. It seems that every time we turn around there is an opinion that comes from someone who says how we should be fighting fires. Perhaps some solutions to our problems in fighting forest fires should be coming from elders. The varied opinions go as far as we should let everything burn because it is natural. It is an act of God and something that will help nature create new growth. The other side says we should be fighting every single little fire that happens. So we have a very wide range of opinions.

We hear from every possible person who may be concerned about forest fires. It is my intention to hear from elders as well. In fact, the department will be contacting the Dene Cultural Institute to consult with elders in various communities in the western Arctic to try to find ways to resolve problems we have in forest fire management. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.