Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is in response to a question asked by Mr. Erasmus on the 29th May. It is in recognition of commercial hunting treaty rights.
Mr. Speaker, the existing Wildlife Act came into effect in 1979, in recognition of the practices in effect at that time. The entire Act at this time is currently under review and a list issues including licensing, permitting and paramountcy of Aboriginal rights is being compiled.
The intent is to develop options which will form the basis for discussion paper for public consultation. The public consultation we believe will be quite lengthy. Meanwhile, amendments to part two of the Act is being drafted to address provisions of the Gwich'in and Sahtu land claim agreements. These agreements require review by the appropriate land claim organizations.
Mr. Speaker, the law is always changing. That is why legislation is periodically reviewed and amended. If provisions in any territorial legislation conflict with a Supreme Court of Canada decision, the new decision prevails. Thank you.