Mr. Speaker, between the Yukon and Alaska the Porcupine caribou herd regularly migrates across the Canada-U.S. border. As they have for centuries, the Gwich'in people rely on the caribou for food. However, this resource is threatened by a recent Alaska legislature resolution encouraging oil and gas exploration on the calving grounds of the Porcupine herd. Thus, the herd is in serious danger.
The Prime Minister and President Clinton are on record favouring the protection of the calving grounds. When they meet next week in Ottawa they could make a strong statement of support for the protection of the Porcupine caribou herd and the survival of the Gwich'in people.
Many of us in this House urge them to do so.