Debates of June 2, 2006 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of ITI, Mr. Brendan Bell. What plans are in place in terms of enhancing or increasing the Canol Heritage Trail park management plan or just the whole overall view of the heritage park that’s been scheduled for…(inaudible)…

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member knows, this is certainly a priority for our department. We have had and been proposing to do some work and had budgeted amounts of money for a number of years. We are now at the point where we have a working committee to move forward. We have nominees as put forward by the region. We are going to work with them to ensure that there is a viable plan for enhancing the project. I expect there will also be a bit of a tour this summer. If the Member is interested in participating with the Premier and others, I believe, as well as Members of the committee, I think that is certainly a good way to kick off our renewed efforts in this regard and in that park. So I look forward to a number of events. I can assure the Member that this is a priority, we are moving forward and intend, certainly, to improve that and to start to implement that plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in terms of the working committees now being implemented or in place, can the Minister advise the people in the Territories and also in the Sahtu region when we can see a viable management plan that would see the Canol canyon heritage trail be turned over to the people in the Sahtu for enjoyment of all tourism? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member knows, we are committed to this project. Work is ongoing. In terms of when that can be finalized, the park plan finally implemented, that will depend on some of the consultation that is ongoing and some of the work that we need to do. We are committed to expediting this. I have indicated before that we needed to have moved faster on this project in the past and I think certainly we have failed to do that but are certainly prepared and committed to moving this ahead now with all of our partners and look forward to being able to do that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Minister made reference to a tour this summer with several Members across the House and invited members from the public. I appreciate the support for this tour. In terms of involving people at the level of our elders in having some input into the design and implementation of the Canol heritage management plan, will the Minister commit to the House to involve the elders at that level? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s exactly why the committee has been set up and structured the way it has and certainly as they move forward, it’s critical to have that regional perspective. We know that they will bring forward the perspective of their people, including elders. We expect that they will consult with them. If the Member is asking about the tour this summer, he knows we are committed to that. There still are details to be finalized and worked out. Obviously if youth are going to participate in this, we have to ensure that we deal with every aspect and issue of safety. We are doing that. We want to make sure that this is well planned and can advance without a hitch. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Final, short supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this summer, I guess we are going for a little walk in the mountains. We’ll see what happens in the seven days. I appreciate the Minister’s full support on this and getting some recognition and support. Will the Minister be able to come to the Sahtu and to the Canol heritage summer tour, so his physical presence, not just by his words, and have him show up during the summer in Norman Wells?

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 49-15(5): Status Of Canol Heritage Park Project

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am currently in the process of trying to finalize my summer schedule, my summer and family plans. Of course, I have someone at home who I have to consult with as well, but I will make every effort to be on the ground for at least part of the tour and I also hope, prior to that, potentially to get out. I know the Member was instrumental in providing a helicopter tour for some Members of the House of the area, of the region. That’s something I also look forward to. I think this is a beautiful part of our territory. It’s one that needs more exposure. It’s one that needs more support. It really will be wonderful when tourists will be able to more easily access that area. So it has my full support and I will work with the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Bell. Oral questions. Before we go onto the next order of business, the Chair is going to call a short break.

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