Mr. Speaker, the Department of Renewable Resources is always concerned about the profile and credibility that the government has, nationally and internationally, with regard to the way that we manage our resources, especially the renewable resource sector. Wildlife
harvesting and protecting of the environment and, in this case, timber harvesting will also be of equal concern. So we want to be very sure that we take steps to assure the people of the North, the communities and people of southern Canada and the business community that we will have a plan that will be a sustainable, cooperative management plan with regard to how we harvest and make use of the timber that we have in the Northwest Territories. It is true that some of the timber stands that we have, particularly in the Liard, are known to be very mature timber, which requires cutting. It is also true that the dangers of forest fires, particularly in areas where there are very dry seasons, could potentially wipe out large stands of timber and diminish the economic value of them. But we also know that, in areas where there have been fires, we are encouraging harvesting of these burnt timbers, since their economic value only has a lifespan of two or three years after the burn takes place. I want to assure the Member that we share the concern that he is suggesting and there will be no rape of the timber resources in the Northwest Territories for economic benefit and certainly not by timber companies from the South. Thank you.