Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last February, I had an exchange in this Chamber with the Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, as well as Infrastructure. I pointed out that the sign by the highway that identifies the mighty Deh Cho as the Mackenzie River is a very tiny sign. I mentioned that, for visiting tourists, there is no information about the river and its rich history. Even its proper name, Deh Cho, meaning "big river," is neglected. I suggested that there should be a larger sign, a roadside exhibit, and maybe a picnic spot.
The Minister was very supportive of this idea. His response, from Hansard, included this comment: "The Member's point is well taken [...]. The Mackenzie River is important, not just to his region but to the whole NWT. It is how people travelled in this country for years and years. I think it is a good idea to celebrate this type of feature."
Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly agree with the Minister, who went on to say, "We'll take a serious look at it [...]. lt is not something that will happen overnight." Since we spoke, about 350 nights have gone by and I am still dreaming of the great big, beautiful sign to mark the Deh Cho for travelers on the road. I am growing concerned that marking the second-longest river in North America might be winding through a long and tedious bureaucratic process.
Tourism is a growing sector of our economy, and we are seeing the road traffic in my home community of Fort Providence. We would like to take advantage of this potential. We would like to see a better tourism experience for people who come this way. This begins with roadside attractions that slow people down a little and encourage them to look around.
I fear that our government forgets these local attractions, distracted as it has been by huge projects and combining departments.
I realize that even a project as modest as a sign for the Mackenzie River takes time to plan, but getting it done within the life of this 18th Assembly seemed like an attainable goal. Later, I will ask the Minister of Infrastructure to signpost the way forward on this project. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.