Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Tourism is hosting guests and showing them another way of life that is daily living, in most cases, based on thousands of years of culture.

Mr. Speaker, in the absence of natural resource development projects, tourism is the only industry communities have for employment and business opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, tourism activities complement the skills of local people. They have shared their vision with me of more tourism in Deh Cho: First Nations people working in the parks, highlighting historical sites, visitor information centres, interactive cultural camps, world class facilities with Wi-Fi and other amenities, a fishing lodge, and a naturalist lodge.

Mr. Speaker, some Deh Cho communities are interested in getting more involved in the management and operations of territorial parks. They have ideas for expanding the operations of some territorial parks in our region, including operating beyond existing seasons to provide more opportunities for tourism.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT environment is pristine and some of the best in the world. Opportunities for outdoor activities abound. Artisans in all our communities create intricate, uniquely northern traditional handicrafts that make distinctive gifts and souvenirs.

Mr. Speaker, the NWT needs to take the next steps to make this vision a reality. Small operators face many challenges: attracting visitors in a competitive market, insurance rates, ever-climbing costs of doing business, the need for training, product packaging and marketing, retaining qualified staff, cultural differences, and language barriers. Tourism operators require commitment, professionalism, and a range of skills to maintain a successful business. Resources in our small communities are limited, especially for people just getting started.

Mr. Speaker, in 2013 the Government of the Northwest Territories released Recommendations for a Strategic Action Plan for Aboriginal Tourism. We need to implement that strategic action plan to grow our tourism industry and tap into the potential of Aboriginal tourism in the NWT. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.