Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a coordinated effort between federal officials and our government officials both in the laboratories, field studies, as well as our wildlife officers and biologists, to monitor the status of our wildlife species. It is their attention that any changes in global warming will impact on the vegetation and the migration routes and other habits of the different species. There has been notable changes among some species. Of course, we make the observations but are not always able to say we are backed by scientific study. We know that global warming is happening. The people know global warming is happening. We just do not have a solid scientific basis yet to say that it is, in fact, an observation or a conclusion based on an accumulation of science and an organized body of science. Yes, we are trying to keep an eye on the impact that it is going to have on our wildlife and we are aware of the implications of it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my follow-up questions would be, does the department have some kind of programs in place either through economic development or renewable resources, harvesting assistance programs in place that would assist people to adjust to global warming and the effect it is having on their ability to harvest? In particular, I am referring to, Mr. Speaker, conditions in the Beaufort Sea where there is no more ice compared to previous years where there was a lot of ice coverage. My follow-up question is, are there any programs in place that the department could assist these people? Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, this government has been a very strong supporter of aboriginal peoples livelihood, particularly out in the land, hunting and trapping. It seems to be more than just an economic activity. It is the means by which we know that our aboriginal peoples will best maintain their culture and their economic independence to be very particular about the kind of industrial activity they will allow on their land. It is our government's intention to do everything we can to support the continued use and access that aboriginal people must have to live off the resources of the land, to harvest the wildlife. If there are changes brought on by climate change that are having a negative impact on the access and ability of our peoples, then it will be our intention to change our programs, adopt our programs to assist people to ensure that they do not suffer because of the impact of climate change that is becoming a reality right now. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think this government should take the lead in possibly identifying the negative affects of global warming on people's ability to harvest. One form of taking the lead would be some kind of assurance from the department that the officials of the department will discuss these needs with the communities at the community level. Could I have the Minister's assurance that someone from his department would discuss these needs with the communities within the near future? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Member brings up an excellent suggestion. One, we are obliged to do and one I think should serve to reassure people at the community level, that we are there primarily to assist them to continue the relationship that they have and the access that they have to harvest wildlife and continue their way of life. I would be very pleased to provide that direction to the department. Thank you.