Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to speak about the potential impacts of the federal government on our park system, most particularly the Nahanni National Park in my riding. The residents and the leadership of Fort Simpson are very concerned about these reductions to these programs and services in the parks budget.
A few weeks ago I issued a press release stating my concerns, and today I look to our government to take a position and advocate on behalf to the federal government about how these impacts may be negative to the region and the people.
Canada is saying minimal impacts but my biggest concern is that, as we agree to expand our park, they had promised increased expenditures, increased jobs to the Nahendeh region and to the communities. Our region is a have-not and does benefit from the increased activity as a result of the expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve. I don’t want to see those opportunities missed there.
Once again, I would like to call upon our government to take a position and speak with the federal counterparts, that future plan cutbacks or reductions should not happen and we will have the discussion with the appropriate Minister during question period. Thank you very much.