Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be supporting the motion today. I think it is important that we realize that the ANWR area is ecologically very sensitive. I think there are Gwich'in people in the area who are dependent on the Porcupine Caribou herd for their livelihood. We know that if there is development on the shore, quite possibly it will stop the migration of caribou in the area. Caribou will not be able to get to the shore for their traditional calving grounds, which will mean they will be forced further inland, closer to the mountains and closer to their natural predators. I think there is some real concern that the herd would be at risk. I think we have to ask ourselves -- development is important, but at what cost? I think this is certainly one area where we have to realize that we should not be doing any drilling. I will be supporting this motion today. Thank you.
Brendan Bell on Motion 19-14(3): Support For The Protection Of The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (carried)
In the Legislative Assembly on March 7th, 2001. See this statement in context.
Motion 19-14(3): Support For The Protection Of The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (carried)
Item 16: Motions
March 6th, 2001
Page 1622
See context to find out what was said next.