Thank you, Mr. Speaker. CFC, or Caribou Framework and Collaboration, planning is essential to sound management, consultation, and an important element to achieving goals set by the stakeholders. Last year's caribou survey showed alarming and very concerning decline in caribou numbers, or herd numbers for the barren-land caribou. Range planning and consultations followed.
Mr. Speaker, Canada labelled, in the Boreal Forest jurisdiction, the boreal caribou as a species at risk. However, in the NWT, and more specifically in the Sahtu, boreal caribou are not deemed species at risk in support of this caption. It is very common for hunters to view these animals, larger and darker in size on the east side of the Mackenzie River. To take notice of this potential risk scenario would only be a proactive measure on the principals of conservation and preservation.
Mr. Speaker, advancing forward in the spirit of principles of engagement, collaboration, data collection, recovery strategies, framework, and action plans, I am very pleased to hear the Department of ENR is scheduling a meaningful session with the Sahtu land claim parties planned for the summer. It is paramount to the multiple caribou herds within our territory, conservation and recovery, growth, stabilization and growth would only mean sound management for the next generation's food and clothing security.
In summary, Mr. Speaker, the bilateral engagements between the stakeholders, the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, and the Government of the Northwest Territories works. In this case, both groups realize the cooperative need for environmental wildlife and resource land management. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.