Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We can do that. We can certainly engage the regions in this discussion with communities. I think the first thing we can and will do is, in fact, confirm what the Member is suggesting, that there are increased incidents and run-ins of people with grizzly bears. I think that's the first step. But even if we find that there isn't a dramatic increase, I think it's always a good practice to sit down and talk about safety and safe practices when out on the land. Obviously, when you go out into bear country there are a number of steps that you need to take to make sure you're safe. Workplace safety issues, as well. I think in the case near Colomac, I'm not sure if it was a DIAND contractor, we need to be able to work with contractors and federal government departments to make sure that the kinds of things they require on their worksites don't preclude worker safety. I think that's very important. Where we can play an information dissemination role we'll do that, but I would be interested in working with the regions who, I think, are going to have a very good handle on the issues locally and see if there aren't other things that we can do besides the Wildlife Act and these kinds of things, see if there aren't other things we can do to increase safety. Thank you.
Brendan Bell on Question 268-15(3): Steps Taken To Address Encounters With Grizzly Bears
In the Legislative Assembly on October 20th, 2004. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 268-15(3): Steps Taken To Address Encounters With Grizzly Bears
Question 268-15(3): Steps Taken To Address Encounters With Grizzly Bears
Item 6: Oral Questions
October 19th, 2004
Page 873
See context to find out what was said next.