Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the early arrival of spring in the western Arctic also brought an early fire season. We have experienced warm temperatures, less than normal winter snowfall and little spring rainfall. This has resulted in dry forest conditions in the Deh Cho, North Slave and South Slave regions. These conditions are ideal for the start and rapid spread of forest fires. We have already had several forest fires to date this year. There are currently 24 fires burning in the Sahtu, Deh Cho, North Slave and South Slave regions. Twelve fires were caused by people and 12 were started by lightning. Only 14 of these fires remain active with crews from local communities being used to suppress critical locations. The forest fire activity in Alberta has also been keeping us busy. Through the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement, the NWT has loaned supervisors, technical staff, air tanker groups and firefighting equipment to Alberta to assist in fighting their fires.

Mr. Speaker, the Forest Management Division of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development monitors the weather and condition of our forests daily. They provide all western communities within the treeline area with daily status reports. We have taken steps to be prepared for further forest fires in the north by starting the air tanker contract earlier than normal, as well as some fire crews. The condition of our forests and safety are important issues to this department. All efforts will be made to extinguish forest fires which endanger human life, property and renewable resources. Mahsi cho.

--Applause