Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, there is an urgent need for the Government of the Northwest Territories to draft effective regulations for northern divers, and to implement diving standards for any contract involving underwater work anywhere in our territorial jurisdiction, inclusive of fresh water and salt water. Of special importance is the need for a clear definition between the areas of commercial divers and sport divers. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, we have witnessed the deaths of four divers in the north since 1985, and we can no longer afford to wait for the federal government to set national standards.
At present, most provinces have their own diving regulations and although there is a wide variation between provinces, they have at least attempted to protect their respective residents with some sort of regulatory measures.
It should also be noted, Mr. Speaker, that northern commercial divers face special dangers unique to our sub Arctic conditions and Arctic coastal waters which present specific hazards. Added to this, of course, is the rather northern job of diving beneath the ice. Despite these significant obstacles, qualified commercial divers are both fearful and frustrated by incidents of sport divers who, believing they are qualified to deal with these conditions, apply for any type of diving job and literally risk their lives with each diving operation.
In view of all this, Mr. Speaker, it really is shameful that this government has not yet even drafted comprehensive regulations to deal with this issue. I think this government should act quickly and do everything possible to rectify, to date, what can only be viewed as a lack of responsibility in this matter. Thank you.
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