Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation

In the Legislative Assembly on June 13th, 1995. See this topic in context.

Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1290

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have a question I would like to direct to the Minister of Renewable Resources. Mr. Speaker, besides the threat of fire and drought, I see our forests being attacked by some form of a pest. I think it's a tent caterpillar. I was listening to the radio on the weekend, Mr. Speaker, and in the Liard, a lady who does an annual report was noticing large numbers of caterpillars -- she didn't know what they were, but I believe they're tent caterpillars -- in the Liard area. I conducted a check around the city of Yellowknife and we're seeing large numbers of tent caterpillars already infesting trees. It's pretty devastating, particularly when it comes to deciduous trees, with the conditions we have now.

I would like to ask the Minister whether or not his department is aware of this and if there's anything that can be done to combat this invasion.

Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Minister of Renewable Resources, Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Return To Question 594-12(7): Status Of Nwt Caterpillar Infestation
Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, it is something that the Department of Renewable Resources is aware of and are working with Canadian Forest Service in accessing the outbreak. In particular, in the area of Fort Liard, a particular type of tent caterpillar is a forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma diistria. It's a type of tent caterpillar.

Mr. Speaker, there is also another type of tent caterpillar which is a northern tent caterpillar, Malacosoma califonicum...

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Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

Some Hon. Members

Wow!

---Applause

Return To Question 594-12(7): Status Of Nwt Caterpillar Infestation
Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

...which is found in the northern part of the western Northwest Territories. It is believed that the tent caterpillars in the Fort Liard area are from an outbreak which spread from British Columbia. From what we understand, the infestation generally lasts throughout a decade. The department expects that the infestation will spread throughout the Liard Valley and could last the rest of this decade. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 594-12(7): Status Of Nwt Caterpillar Infestation
Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Whitford.

Supplementary To Question 594-12(7): Status Of Nwt Caterpillar Infestation
Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

Tony Whitford

Tony Whitford Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think northerners will have observed that a lot of these infestations occur along major highways. From British Columbia and from Alberta, we notice an influx of other plants and certain species of insects. I would like to ask the Minister whether there is anything the public can do to fight this infestation before it gets out of hand. A decade is a long time to expect to be faced with this problem. Is there anything the public or the department can do to combat these intruders?

Supplementary To Question 594-12(7): Status Of Nwt Caterpillar Infestation
Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Arngna'naaq.

Further Return To Question 594-12(7): Status Of Nwt Caterpillar Infestation
Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 1291

Silas Arngna'naaq Kivallivik

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the infestation is a natural occurrence. The last outbreak, I believe, was in the mid-1960s. To date, I don't believe there is any way of countering the infestation in the forests.

Mr. Speaker, it is a natural occurrence. If you allow it to carry through with what it does, I understand it is a defoliation of trees. It is generally light to moderate, with patches of heavy defoliation. The department, along with Canadian Forest

Service, will be assessing the area and will be able to give a full report.

To the particular question, at the present time, there is no way of trying to fight what is, I believe, a natural occurrence. I believe the best way is to leave it the way it is and to let nature take its course. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 594-12(7): Status Of Nwt Caterpillar Infestation
Question 594-12(7): Status Of NWT Caterpillar Infestation
Item 6: Oral Questions

June 12th, 1995

Page 1291

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Item 6, oral questions. Ms. Mike.