Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that affects a large number of my constituents, that being our fishermen. Mr. Speaker, for many decades fishermen have eked out a living for themselves on Great Slave Lake. Fishing is an honourable, traditional lifestyle for a large number of our residents. Mr. Speaker, commercial fishing in the Northwest Territories is a longstanding, viable industry and I believe that our government should firmly support our fishermen.

Mr. Speaker, our fishermen are strong contributors to our northern economy. I am a little disillusioned when I do some research and discover certain areas where I believe that fishermen have been under-funded or not funded in the same manner as other harvesters, that being hunters and trappers.

I want to make it perfectly clear, Mr. Speaker, that I do support our government's effort in providing financial support to trappers. I would like to see a more equitable funding arrangement for fishermen in the same manner as trappers. Mr. Speaker, in my research I discovered that in November of 2000 the former Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development stated in this House that in the year 2000, RWED spent $2.5 million in support of harvesters. Of this funding, the Minister stated that roughly $1.8 million went directly to trappers.

Documents recently supplied to me by RWED, Mr. Speaker, with regard to harvesters' contributions for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 indicate that $1,704,000 is earmarked for the hunters and trappers program and only $390,000 has been allocated to fishermen's programs.

Mr. Speaker, my reaction to this is one of concern. I did note, Mr. Speaker, that of the current RWED funding to hunters and trappers there are contributions to disaster compensation for hunters and trappers. In addition, RWED pays the WCB premiums and claim costs for hunters and trappers if they are injured while hunting or trapping. Mr. Speaker, neither of these programs are provided for fishermen. The apparent inequities are very disconcerting to fishermen.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the NWT Fishermen's Federation will be hosting a two-day conference May 10th and 11th in Hay River. Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is imperative for our government to lead by example and to that end I strongly encourage the Minister of RWED to consider attending this very worthwhile conference. At the appropriate time, I will have further questions for the Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause