Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to do a little follow-up there. I think this fund is very much appreciated and it is a real struggle. I know the Minister is aware of that and I know the outfitters have been working hard to try to diversify, as the Minister is well aware. I’m sure that’s been helpful, but the challenges are clear.
I agree that this government certainly encouraged these outfitters to develop in this way and this government is responsible and failed in their management of caribou. So there is some responsibility here and I’m sure that’s part of the consideration as we support these outfitters.
What we have here is an opportunity for those that actually should have a viable hunt still today. I agree that those that rely on the Bathurst caribou, we’ve failed to get the herd in recovery mode as the responsible managers here. There’s work to be done and the future is bleak. But for those who use the Bluenose-East – I think that’s primarily what
we’re talking about, it seems that there are a couple of outfitters there – there is some hope for. So I hope the Minister will retain and continue this support and I appreciate his offer.
My question is, apparently without significant income and certainly no income from their facilities, there are caches of fuel that are out there. Again, this government told them there would be a hunt and there wasn’t, so they prepared for the hunt. Now they can’t afford to get that fuel back because of environmental concern as well. In those sorts of extraordinary situations, if there was a situation, are we requiring that they declare bankruptcy and walk away before we help? Or would the Minister try to figure out where to try to help address that situation. Thank you.