Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today my statement will be on the stranded barge at Toker Point north of Tuktoyaktuk in the Beaufort Sea. Mr. Speaker, the Investigator is a barge leased from Harley Marine from the United States by Fathom Marine from Vancouver. The barge went aground on September 2nd at Toker Point, and since that time efforts have been made to remove the fuel and remove the barge. Canadian Coast Guard is the lead agency, with assistance from Transport Canada. ILA has Environmental Monitors out on site for the majority of the time the barge has been accessible by boat from Tuktoyaktuk. Wildlife Monitors have also been on site, provided by community companies.

Some key points from my perspective, Mr. Speaker: this incident has highlighted the need for capacity in the region with regard to monitoring and dealing with ship traffic incidents in the Arctic Ocean. This particular incident is really not as serious. The barge is of double-hulled construction with only four per cent fuel capacity on the ship. However, it has taken over a month for any meaningful action to take place, Mr. Speaker. Imagine if the same incident occurred with the Crystal Serenity. Think of what we'd do with people and/or fuel. Mr. Speaker, the coast guard and Transport Canada have been very active in terms of updating local organizations and working with the various parties. There has been good communication between Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the parties involved in this incident. Efforts are currently underway to pull the barge off the shoreline. It is hoped that the barge will be re-floated prior to freeze-up. If it is not re-floated before freeze-up, Mr. Speaker, it will be overwintered on shore. Once the situation stabilizes, I think it would be a good idea to have an incident review where local and federal organizations can discuss what happened, what worked, and what needs improvement.

This brings forward the need for cooperation and coordination between the GNWT and the Government of Canada. Mr. Speaker, the lands and waters around Toker Point remain an important part of the livelihoods of the Inuvialuit of Tuktoyaktuk. The impacts of an environmental spill would greatly affect life on the land, life below water, and the mammals that live and migrate through the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. At the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.