Rocky Simpson

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Hay River, we have trees, fish, roads, a port, and agriculture. My questions will be for the Minister of ITI. Can the Minister of ITI tell me if her department is prepared to action the agricultural strategy prepared by the 18th Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Chair. In terms of monitoring, I guess, or policing that, how many people or officers would be in place during the summer, or during the run of, say, pickerel in the South Slave? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Okay, now I know where the fish are. You said that it deals with sport fishing. In Hay River, I know that we have the pickerel runs, and our concern is that we get people from the South come down and the quantity they take is, usually, probably beyond what their allowed limit is. Was I correct in hearing that you said that your department will monitor, I guess, that portion of it, policing the recreational? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess the other question I have is, when industry moves into -- we'll use Cameron Hills as an example, or any mining activity -- and roads are put in, what happens with the timber that has to be removed? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Madam Chair. With respect to those agreements, what are they for? Are they for harvesting, research management, or what are they for? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For this Minister, I am trying to have some theme days in Hay River. She is coming to Hay River, I think, on the 23rd, and it's going to be small business. I also want her to show up to Hay River, and the theme day then will be agriculture and meet with people. Will the Minister commit to visiting Hay River to meet and discuss agricultural impediment with producers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Next question is: has the Minister commenced discussion with the Minister of Lands on how to address the need for lands dedicated for agricultural use in the South Slave?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The need for a strategy to advance economic opportunities and agriculture was identified in the 2013 Economic Opportunities Strategy. Subsequently, the 18th Assembly developed an agricultural strategy that looked to expand the agricultural sector, increase local food production, increase producer and supplier opportunities, and improve distribution networks for NWT food and food-related products.

Three terms later, this 19th Legislative Assembly continues on a path looking to increase employment in small communities, reduce the cost of living, increase economic...

No, I think that's all. I just want to make sure that fish are protected. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am going to speak about, yes, fishing. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment developed the NWT Commercial Fishing Strategy during the life of the last Assembly. Since its development, many people and organizations have come forward and advised that they were not adequately consulted during the creation of the initiative. In fact, some pointed to location of the building, unnecessary size, and functionality of the proposed fish plant as they fear the current viability of the business is not there. Some were quite astounded to see the bids received...