Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. McLeod of the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development on June 9, 2003, regarding the management of the commercial fishery on Great Slave Lake. The federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans is of the management and conservation of all fish stocks in the Northwest Territories, including Great Slave Lake. The Great Slave Lake Advisory Committee is an advisory body established by the federal Minister to provide recommendations on matters relating to management and conservation of stock in Great Slave Lake.

These recommendations are far reaching and involve all aspects of management, including closures, licensing, seasons and quotas. The federal Minister is not bound to accept any of the committee's recommendations. Voting membership on the committee consists of representation from the Akaitcho Territory First Nation, Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, Deh Cho First Nation, Northwest Territories Metis Nation, commercial fishers, lodge operators and recreational fishers. A representative from the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development participates on the committee as a non-voting member and has raised a number of issues relating to the fishery. The committee is chaired by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Trout stocks on Great Slave Lake, especially in areas adjacent to the Member's constituency, were heavily over fished prior to 1970 in the early years of the commercial fishery. While there is still some trout taken commercially in the area, these stocks have never fully recovered. There are a few areas on Great Slave Lake that are closed to all commercial fishing. This includes a domestic use zone around Hay River and northwest of Big Island. As well, there are seasonal closures to protect inconnu during spawning. However, the Member is correct that there is no seasonal closure for trout.

The Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development intends to write to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to express the concerns raised on the management of the fishery on Great Slave Lake. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.