(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. My statement today will be with regard to the federal legislation requiring firearms to be locked up during storage. I'm not against the safe storage of firearms whatsoever, Madam Speaker. The communities in my constituency have a very high rate of polar bear intrusions. There are often several incidents on a weekly basis of polar bears coming into the communities and camps, threatening lives and property.
This is the time of year also when there is complete darkness. It is only common sense, then, that residents should have rifles relatively handy for their protection.
If the people of the High Arctic are to follow the law to the letter, then it will not be possible to protect themselves adequately from polar bears. This is a very valid concern. My people do not want to break the law, but what can they do? They have to make a choice between protecting themselves and breaking the law.
The federal government and the Government of the Northwest Territories must work together so that the law about storing firearms is changed to be practical to my constituents. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
---Applause