Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today is regarding the situation the people of Aklavik find themselves in again this year, where they are presently on flood watch because of the high water in the Mackenzie Valley and also in the Delta. I think that one thing we can say, watching on the television about what is happening in the United States, Manitoba and the Peace River Basin, that it is better to be proactive rather than reactive in regard to floods. I think we have to have a mechanism in place to ensure that we protect not only the residents of those communities, but the property and the infrastructure we presently have in those communities to ensure there is adequate infrastructure built in those communities, such as we have seen carried out in Manitoba to protect the property of individuals and also the city of Winnipeg.
This government has to take an effective approach through it's Emergency Measures Act and ensure that when they build infrastructure for those communities who are in flood areas, the adequate infrastructure is built. Instead of failed reactions to floods, we should have adequate arrangements built in those communities when we put infrastructure there such as dykes and whatnot, and also have adequate drainage systems so when it does flood, it does not cause individual homes to be flooded or property to be damaged. I believe this government should take an active role in developing a policy and also developing infrastructure with the understanding of where that infrastructure is being built.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the appropriate Minister a question regarding emergency measures and also, in the case of Aklavik, to ensure that resources are made available to that community to develop proper infrastructure. Instead of reacting to floods, let us be proactive and put something there to protect them. Thank you.
-- Applause