Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the loss of one's livelihood can be devastating to harvesters in the Northwest Territories, the impact of unforeseen events that severely damage a person's normal ability to work in many ways.

Mr. Speaker, the Hunters' and Trappers' Disaster Compensation Program is available in the event that a traditional harvester in the Northwest Territories suffers loss or damage to equipment or assets because of a natural disaster. The program is delivered by the Department of ENR through the Wildlife Division.

Harvesters who possess a general hunting licence or are land claim beneficiaries, actively engaged in harvesting activities that provide for at least 25 per cent of their annual income are eligible for up to $4,500 compensation under this program. ENR staff are available to assist harvesters in most communities across the Northwest Territories. They also travel to communities where there are no resident staff permanently placed.

Mr. Speaker, in recent years, forest fires have devastated millions of hectares of habitat. As global warming has greater and greater impacts on coastal areas in the Arctic, Inuvialuit harvesters may also experience losses due to natural events.

Mr. Speaker, the traditional economy continues to be an integral part of the our residents' livelihoods. The Hunters' and Trappers' Disaster Compensation Program is an example of how the Government of the Northwest Territories supports that. We must continue to support the icons of the North, who are the men and women who preserve our culture on the land of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.