Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I supported Mr. Krutko as the seconder on this motion for a couple of reasons. One is the cultural linkage to the caribou of the area and their calving grounds.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that my support for this motion refers to the calving ground of the Porcupine Caribou herd. In no way, as I see it, is it infringing on the rights and the abilities of the Inuvialuit and the Inupiat of the Mackenzie Delta and of the Alaskan far north.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I think we have to be clear that we are here to continue the efforts, as has been done in the past. I believe Cabinet is on that path to ensure that the calving grounds remain protected and it is in the interests of all the northern peoples. Again, Mr. Speaker, just to be clear and on record so my Cabinet colleagues can understand where I am coming from, as well as residents of the Mackenzie Delta, we are here to ensure that ongoing activities are being done and sought out through the Inuvialuit and Inupiat as it is their business. As we proceed, as I see it, I support them in their initiatives to develop their resources.

I know that already through, for example, the Inuvialuit, the hunters and trappers committees and the Inuvialuit game council, they work to protect the species of the area. They work in conjunction to protect their areas. I see that as important and vital work that is ongoing in partnership with their development plans, Mr. Speaker.

With that, again for the record, I would like to state that as we put this motion forward, my support for this is for the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou herd and in no way is meant to impact or infringe on the rights of the Inuvialuit and Inupiat. Thank you.