Mr. Speaker, today I would like to bring an issue to the House that has never really been much of a problem until this winter. For the past many years residents from across the southern Great Slave Lake area have come to Yellowknife to stock up on caribou for their families, friends and communities. This has never been much of a problem. However, this year with the lack of caribou on the Gordon Lake winter road, this hunting traffic has discovered the winter road system that goes from Rae-Edzo north to Colomac Mines and other Dogrib communities. The increased traffic brings concerns to my people. We are not told who is hunting and how much caribou this group is taking back to their communities. There is also more wasted meat from some irresponsible hunters. All of this has a direct impact on the populations of this herd. We do not want our caribou depleted.
Fortunately, both the Rae Band Councils and the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development have been working closely together to find solutions that will help protect this valuable resource and still provide the needed meat for the people. It has been decided to maintain monitoring stations that will be sponsored by the Band Councils, and will have direct contact with Resources staff in case problems occur. With the co-operation of these two groups, it is anticipated that staff from the Yellowknife office will be making occasional trips on this road system to ensure all rules and regulations are followed. We realize that people want their caribou, but at the same time the hunters should follow all necessary regulations, and should have some consideration to respect this valuable resource. Mr. Speaker, at the opportune time I will be asking the Minister responsible questions regarding this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.