Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, colleagues, I am pleased to speak before you to speak to the proposed amendment to the Territorial Parks Act. A recent review of parks issues identified the urgent needs for this amendment to the act that would be beneficial to both park guests and staff and make visits to the parks this summer safer and more secure.

This amendment addresses a problem identified by parks staff, the public, the media and indeed Members of this House, that of disruptive and destructive behaviour of individuals in territorial parks, particularly those in and around municipalities.

This amendment will make it an offence under the act for a person to comply with an order of a parks officer. This will provide parks officers with another tool to ensure the safety and enjoyment of parks users. Currently, Mr. Chairman, parks officers can request that disruptive activity be discontinued or order someone to stop such activity, but if that activity continues they have no recourse other than to contact the RCMP for assistance. It's our intention to give the parks officers authority to charge persons who do not comply with an order. This ability to restrain disruptive behaviour will contribute to the enjoyment of guest stays.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Members for their prompt consideration of this bill and look forward to hearing their views on this small but important amendment to the Territorial Parks Act. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.