Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome everybody back.
Mr. Speaker, earlier this fall the people of the Northwest Territories received some bad news, news that many of us expected was coming but hoped that would never actually reach reality. Now it is official. A June 2009 calving survey, photo survey of the Bathurst caribou herd, shows a significant decline in the numbers of the Bathurst caribou, from over 100,000 in 2006 to a staggering 31,897 this summer. What is worse is that the number of breeding females has dropped to around 16,600.
These numbers are almost unbelievable and there are a large number of theories about how or what has caused this to happen. These range from hunting, or over hunting, to predation, to climate change. Honestly, all of these probably play some part of the factor, but I’m not sure how.
However, arguing about how the numbers dropped doesn’t help save those caribou that are still there. Now is not the time to debate the numbers, but to discuss and come up with concrete actions that would help restore healthy caribou numbers for future generations.
The loss in these herds have long-lasting and devastating effects on the people of the Northwest Territories, particularly the aboriginal people who have relied on the caribou as an essential source of protein for generations. The loss of this source of protein will have a significant effect on the health of aboriginal people and will likely increase the cost of living in small communities as residents seek out alternative sources for meat through grocery stores.
Another affected group will be the outfitters. This industry has traditionally taken a small number of caribou and brought in millions of new dollars into the northern economy. The majority of the operators are long-time Northerners with commitment and passion to the NWT that is unmistakable. These outfitters have invested significantly in the NWT and have some very impressive infrastructure on the land to support this industry. The loss of the caribou may force these outfitters to close their doors, driving long-term Northerners into unemployment or, worse, bankruptcy.
Mr. Speaker, these are clearly not the only people to be affected by the health of the Bathurst caribou herd. All of us as Northerners, and ultimately as Canadians, are affected.
So what is being done? I understand that ENR and the Wekeezhii Renewable Resources Board and others have been working to find some solutions. I believe that some meetings were held a couple of weeks ago with participation of affected and interested stakeholders to work towards this.
Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon I will be asking some questions on future direction, timelines and options available for the restoration of the Bathurst caribou.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.