Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Tourism is a growing sector of our economy. In Fort Providence, we see a lot of traffic on Highway No. 3, and I know there is great potential to increase the tourists' experience in our area.
People used to stop on the shore of the mighty Deh Cho to wait for the ferry not far from the tiny blue sign that identifies the waterway as the Mackenzie River. Today, tourists on the highway cruise right past the sign and over the Deh Cho bridge, perhaps unaware of the significance of our greatest river. If they blink, they might miss it. The sign, I mean.
The Deh Cho is not only our greatest river, travelled by Dene people for thousands of years. It is Canada's greatest. The Mackenzie crowns the second longest river system in North America, more than 4,200 kilometres long. Our river sends more than 300 cubic kilometres of water into the Beaufort Sea. There is a lot of water under our bridge, Mr. Speaker.
The little blue sign by the road hints at none of this. The unsuspecting tourist may not know that the Deh Cho's second name comes from Alexander Mackenzie, an enthusiastic Scottish tourist and fur trader of some fame who came this way in 1793.
I'm just getting started, Mr. Speaker. I have yet to dive into the Deh Cho's cultural and economic significance. Yes, and say a few words about the great Metis riverboat captains, but first I want to note that on the north side of the river is a large display where visitors can read all about the Deh Cho bridge and marvel at the engineering feats involved in its construction. With sincere thanks to the Department of Infrastructure and the community, we now also have warning signs for pedestrians who may be walking along the road. I feel confident that this department will erect a larger, more colourful sign to note the Deh Cho for highway travellers.
Before I turn to some of the greatest Dene legends about the Deh Cho, I feel it is time to invite the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to do its part. In fact, it is past the time we have a roadside park to commemorate the Deh Cho and Mackenzie River. Perhaps we can open it in time for the 60th anniversary of the highway.
Now I want to speak briefly about the giant beavers and the two great men with medicine powers. Oh, no, Mr. Speaker, I must have missed your sign. My time for this statement has run out. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.