Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A silver lining may emerge from a catastrophic fire season the Northwest Territories experienced last summer. A bumper crop of morel mushrooms is anticipated this spring. Buyers of these delicacies will be again on site, bringing millions into the NWT economy.
While the potential abundance and ease of access are welcome, potential administrative and other nightmares could derail the industry. Members have called for regulation of the industry, and the government may be responding with legislation governing the mushroom harvest in the NWT. This is welcome only if timing issues do not undermine this new industry start-up.
Buyers and pickers will be at harvest sites by early to mid-May as the early harvest begins at that time. Buyers and pickers will be, of course, unaware of any law brought into effect after the 1st of May,
being out in the forest doing their job. Harvesters working in the forest will not have the communications to find out about new requirements for business licences or permits, should they happen.
If legislation calls for registration and permits, these must be available prior to May 1st . If not, we will
unintentionally put buyers and pickers into a situation of being offenders of the law. Buyers could leave and the industry fail.
This is a potential recipe for disaster and I expect the Ministers of ITI and ENR to be aware of this situation and to take steps to avoid it. Proper planning and implementation of any new law and regulations can avoid unnecessary and costly confusion. Licence and permit forms need to be designed, printed and distributed for this industry to key communities by May 1st and as readily
obtainable as a fishing licence. Communication of the new rules will need to be proactive with signs posted along the highways from the south, alerting harvesters to their new responsibilities. User- friendly visits to picking sites by renewable resource officers to explain new regulations and issue the required permits will be needed.
Finally, consideration needs to be given as to where picking should be encouraged and what areas should be restricted. While most edible mushrooms are clean and safe to eat, those from some areas have been found to carry contaminant loads including lead and arsenic.
To foster and safeguard the industry and consumers, it is essential to have the technology to test soil samples in the first mushrooms from possible picking sites prior to the harvest. With proper timing and communication of regulations and responsible testing of soils and products, a
sustainable mushroom industry can contribute to the NWT economy for years to come. I will have questions. Mahsi.