Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to thank the Minister of Renewable Resources for halting the exportation of the live wood bison from the Hanging Ice Bison Ranch near Fort Smith, to be auctioned down south.
Mr. Speaker, the reason that I requested this to be halted was because concerns were expressed to me by the native organizations in Fort Smith. Both the Metis Nation and the band had brought these issues to my attention. It has further been brought to my attention the sustainable development committee of the town could not come to a decision on whether or not to support this particular move.
We all know that it is critical to listen to the user groups of our renewable resources. The Department of Renewable Resources has made it a practice to consult with the band and the Metis with regard to addressing trappers' cabins, traplines, trappers' funding allocation, and also if policy changes are required for addressing fire management. So, Mr. Speaker, the band and Metis felt it was critical to consult with them regarding the exportation of wood bison.
They fully support the exportation of bison meat but, until they are consulted, they have a sincere difficulty with supporting the current process to export these live wood bison. Mr. Speaker, the concern of such a unique genetic animal -- as we all know, wood bison is bigger than the prairie bison -- and also the fear of what may happen -- which happened to the char industry
where aquaculture has taken place -- and the future could have a negative impact on what could happen to the ranch.
Mr. Speaker, these types of concerns expressed are legitimate and I am sure the community will welcome the Department of Renewable Resources for the consultation process which will take place next week.
The community groups also want to thank the department for their caretaking role in the bison ranch, and would like to let the Minister know that they have appreciated the efforts the department has been making to make this ranch viable. Thank you.
---Applause