Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS a significant number of Northwest Territories residents possess firearms for the purpose of hunting, trapping and pursuing a traditional lifestyle;

AND WHEREAS the federal government introduced Bill C-68, An Act Respecting Firearms and Other Weapons, on February 14, 1995;

AND WHEREAS this proposed legislation would have a significant negative impact on many northern residents;

AND WHEREAS the concerns of the NWT residents were raised with the federal Minister of Justice, the Honourable Allan Rock, but ignored in the drafting of the proposed legislation;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for North Slave, that the Legislative Assembly prepare a presentation to be made to the federal Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, chaired by the Honourable Warren Allmand, regarding the negative impact that Bill C-68 would have on the citizens of the NWT;

AND FURTHER, that the presentation be made to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs when it holds hearings in Ottawa. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.