Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that tourism is an important industry in the Northwest Territories. In its 2014-15 Marketing Plan, NWT Tourism has identified several major focus categories, including outdoor adventuring, Aboriginal travel, and sport hunting and fishing. Growth in the German, Swiss and British markets show particular interest in Aboriginal cultures in a natural environment. It’s a great sign for regions like the Deh Cho. But at the same time, we also know that for both Canadian and international travelers, travelling north can be expensive. As a result, our tourism strategies must convince travellers not to only turn their NWT dreams into realities but also deliver the authentic northern experiences these travellers seek.

As exciting as international tourism can be, in reality 80 percent of visitors to the NWT come from within Canada, primarily from Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Often, too, these travellers come by road, either in regular motor vehicles or in RVs designed for touring. Travellers cover a range of demographics from adventurous students to

vacationing families, to retirees. In fact, tourism planning for the region often highlights the Deh Cho Travel Connection, a circular driving route that travels through multiple provinces and territories including ours. Surely our goal must be to make the NWT worth notable stops, including the beautiful Alexandra and Louise Falls, the highlight of this route.

With noted tourism priorities for authentic northern experiences, spectacular landscapes, educational opportunities, opportunities in Aboriginal cultures and road touring, the Deh Cho is primed to offer enticing options to all manner of adventurers and explorers, including minimal impact activities that allow visitors to appreciate our spectacular territory without leaving a large footprint.

But not all the pieces are in place. The deteriorating condition of the Liard Highway is noted as having a significant impact on the traffic in the Deh Cho. With so many road travellers, not to mention our own residents, highway infrastructure is a clear priority.

We also know that natural disasters can impede tourism. I hope that our tourism strategies continue to promote the NWT as a safe and viable destination after last year’s forest fire season. Finally, I’m proud to highlight two residents of my riding, Vi and Eric Bartlett, who won the 2014 Hospitality Award for their work at the 60th Parallel

Visitors Centre. Thanks to their hard work, tourism presence at the NWT and Alberta border is strong. But further down the Mackenzie Highway…

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.

---Unanimous consent granted