Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to focus on water today, but from a slightly different perspective. Last Friday, February 16th, the Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes indicated that 22 percent of the households in his riding are dependant on hunting and trapping as a source of income and food. The same day, the Member for Tu Nedhe brought to the attention of this House a concern over the number of abnormal, deformed fish in a lake two kilometres from the community of Lutselk'e, Stark Lake. The people will not even feed the fish to their dogs, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, water is important to the people of the North in another way. The flora and fauna of our northern ecosystems are dependent upon it for survival. Many people rely upon wildlife and fish for food and as a source of livelihood. When an inland body of water becomes so contaminated, so does the flora and fauna that use the water from that system. Mr. Speaker, when we eat ducks, caribou, moose or fish, we need to be confident that the game we are consuming is safe to eat.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is in a period of development. Oil and gas has been found in the Liard area and the Mackenzie Delta is seeing a resurgence in exploration. A third diamond mine is on the horizon. A better highway system is in the making and will open new areas of the North for resource exploration, Mr. Speaker. We are also looking at the development of our hydro potential. We are hoping to become a "have" Territory.
However, Mr. Speaker, we must also be cognizant that hand in hand with exploration and development comes the increased risk of pollution of our lands, water and air. Throughout the North, there are contaminated sites caused by development. During the review of the 1997-98 Auditor General's Report, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight was informed that there are about 451 sites with potential environmental liabilities in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, do not get me wrong. I am very excited about the developments that are occurring within our borders, but we must proceed cautiously so that we do not cause irreparable harm to our fragile environment.
Mr. Speaker, I listened intently to the Premier's state of the union address recently and to the Finance Minister's latest budget. I heard a lot of focus on economic development. We need to extend that same effort to the protection of our sensitive ecosystem. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause