Mr. Speaker, it is not a question of acting now. I have always planned in either January or February to go to Fort Smith. I told the chamber of commerce this last year. It is not a matter of me acting now and not having done anything in the past. I have discussed this with the chamber of commerce, with some of the people in the community and the mayor, and I have been told by some people it is not a big deal if the CIBC leaves because we have another bank which wants to come in here. I have not had people exactly beating my door down in a panic situation saying we are going to lose the CIBC. I have been acting on it and I will follow through on my commitment to the chamber of commerce to be in Fort Smith by next week to discuss with them what they want to do about this particular issue. If they are as unconcerned as some of the people are, then there may not be anything that can be done. If the community as a whole gets together and realizes you have to support facilities if you want them to be maintained in your community, of if the bank has not been treating its customers correctly, perhaps that might come out. That could be pointed out to the bank and the bank may wish to reconsider. I have been advised by the bank it is strictly a business decision on their behalf, they are losing considerable amounts of money in Fort Smith. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
John Pollard on Question 369-12(3): Lack Of Ministerial Action To Resolve Bank Closure In Fort Smith
In the Legislative Assembly on February 26th, 1993. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 369-12(3): Lack Of Ministerial Action To Resolve Bank Closure In Fort Smith
Question 369-12(3): Lack Of Ministerial Action To Resolve Bank Closure In Fort Smith
Item 5: Oral Questions
February 25th, 1993
Page 642
John Pollard Hay River
See context to find out what was said next.