Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also ask some questions about the caribou issue to the Minister of ENR. Mr. Speaker, I think I understand the need for action on the part of the Minister and everyone involved to save the caribou, because I would hate to think of a time where we would not have enough caribou for the people that depend on it for sustenance. I think the government could not possibly spend enough money to supply food to the communities if they didn't have caribou to provide them with. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, I would think that, if we are at such a stage that cutting 600 tags from the industry this year or so, 600 plus or 300 plus next year, is a solution, that speaks to a real serious situation. I don't think we are there yet, and yet that sort of measure would result very possibly in the demise of an industry that is very important to us. I think the question is here. I understand the need for the government to act, but I am sure the Minister would even admit that if he could do it again, he would do it much differently or better. The Wekeezhii board was not consulted, I understand, or they were not ready to receive this recommendation from the Minister. I don't think the industry or other departments of government have done enough to support the industry to deal with the consequences of it. I would like to know if the Minister and also the department is aware of the fact that industries plan two or three years down the road on tag distribution. Would the Minister consider working on a time frame that would have gone for a year or two to reduce these tags if the Minister had to do it this way? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Sandy Lee on Question 295-15(5): Caribou Tag Reductions
In the Legislative Assembly on February 12th, 2007. See this statement in context.
Question 295-15(5): Caribou Tag Reductions
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 11th, 2007
Page 791
See context to find out what was said next.