Mr. Speaker, this is in regard to National Wildlife Week, April 4-10th. Mr. Speaker, the biggest threat to wildlife today is the loss of suitable habitat. In southern Canada, animals are being squeezed out of areas where they once flourished. Fortunately, wildlife in the Northwest Territories has not been threatened to the same extent. We have a unique opportunity in the north to be proactive in looking after our wildlife and its habitat.
Please join me in celebrating National Wildlife Week during April 4-10, 1999. This year's theme, Home is Where There is Habitat, reminds us that without sufficient food, water, shelter and space, wildlife simply cannot survive.
Many wildlife species travel great distances through a variety of habitats. For example, grizzly bears wander hundreds of kilometres looking for food while caribou travel vast distances during the annual migration. Even though wildlife species may not live permanently in an area of development, their needs must be considered in planning for any development. With growing interest in the resource development potential of the NWT, including oil, gas and minerals, it is increasingly important for us to remain good stewards of our wildlife and their habitat. The Protected Areas Strategy will help us maintain wildlife habitat by protecting wilderness and important traditional harvesting areas. As we enter our first year as the new Northwest Territories, we want to celebrate our wildlife and their habitats. National Wildlife Week provides an excellent opportunity to profile our rich wildlife resource and its importance in our northern culture. Thank you.
--Applause