Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm not sure that we have the comprehensive information that the Member speaks of. It would certainly be a good idea. I would agree with that. There are a number of variables in looking at this. Maybe one thing I should point out is, despite the challenges, this industry I think employs almost 150 people, both on boats and in processing. So it is not insignificant. It is important to our economy; the economy of the entire Territories. We recognize that. That is why we want to support it, but to understand the full potential of the industry would make sense. We know we are under quota. We know that that quota isn't excessive. We believe that if the quota were being caught every year, the fish stocks would still be sustainable. What kinds of ships would make the most sense? Potentially, what would make more sense is to have one or two or three boats on that lake and possibly it would be more economically viable in that manner, but there are a lot of concerns about people who have been established in this industry for a number of years. There are many questions going forward. I will certainly work with committee and with the Member to see if we can't do a little bit of research into the viability of the industry were it at full potential. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Brendan Bell on Question 245-15(3): Support For The NWT Commercial Fishery
In the Legislative Assembly on October 19th, 2004. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 245-15(3): Support For The Nwt Commercial Fishery
Question 245-15(3): Support For The NWT Commercial Fishery
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 18th, 2004
Page 831
See context to find out what was said next.