Environment committee  This is the first time it's been seen. We have had chum salmon in the past, but only sporadically. Now, though, almost every community in my region, and outside of it into Nunavut, has been harvesting these pink salmon. I don't think people will turn them away, but I they are taking over the traditional species habitat within these areas.

Environment committee  Thank you, Cathy. Very quickly, it hasn't been abandoned. Planning is still in process. What you're suggesting is large-scale, regional, cumulative management approaches. Under our land claims, these activities have to be done in concert with us anyway, and I think you're fully aware that any development activities have to take into consideration their potential impact on the ecosystem.

Environment committee  They're at least a decade apart. Actually, the Inuvialuit set up the first one ourselves. When I say that I mean we established an MOU with industry not to do any activity within that area because it was a sensitive beluga habitat for their calving and their moulting. So they agreed to that, and the federal government eventually came around to see that it was working between ourselves and industry and began to work with us to develop the criteria for the official recognition and establishment of this MPA for that habitat.

Environment committee  In reference to that MPA that's under development, that's exactly where it's at. We're trying to finalize it. The terms are there. The concern we have is the lack of adequate resources being applied from the federal end of things to document our traditional Inuvialuit knowledge on the area, as well as to develop a consistent monitoring process to ensure the viability and the sustainability of this marine protected area over the long term.

Environment committee  We're dealing with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on this case right now. Actually, as I speak, I'm the co-chair of the Beaufort Sea Partnership, which has been in place for close to two decades. We're just starting our meetings, which I'm absent from at this time. About 40 different government departments, agencies, academia, and our organization are part of this Beaufort Sea Partnership.

Environment committee  I thought you had my copies. I'm right near the end. I probably have another minute at the most.

Environment committee  Okay. I will just cut to the very last part in regard to regional strategic environmental assessment. The new government has allocated a budget, and we are working with them to develop the terms of reference, as well as the criteria to do an environmental assessment within my region.

Environment committee  I will check with my staff to make sure it gets sent again if I didn't all go through. Like I said, we've been having technical difficulties in the region for the last few days.

Environment committee  Like it was stated, I am the chair and the CEO of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. I think you have my presentation in front of you as well. The Inuvialuit, Canada, and the two territorial governments are party to the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, which is a comprehensive land claim agreement that was signed and came into force back in 1984, so we're talking about an agreement that's 32 years old now.

Environment committee  Thank you very much for the opportunity. It's too bad that I'm not on video, but this is the reality of the north. Our Internet service goes up and down all the time.