Debates of March 19, 2004 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is to the honourable Minister of RWED. My question is with regard to a matter earlier brought up in the House regarding a 14-day maximum stay in our territorial parks. It has been brought to my attention that this policy has been updated, and I'm enquiring to the honourable Member if he would make that policy available for all Members of AOC when the update is completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of RWED, Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 40-15(3): Changes To The Territorial Parks Regulations

Certainly, I will do that. I have had my staff approach the AOC committee staff to make sure that we put the offer out there for a briefing on this policy. I know that we're very jammed up here trying to get a budget through by the 31st, and it's likely something that will happen after session, but I would like to come before committee and talk about it. I'm not sure if it was the GED committee or the AOC committee; I'll certainly check. Obviously we can make that available to all regular Members. Thank you.

Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 40-15(3): Changes To The Territorial Parks Regulations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the honourable Minister would speak just in general at this time about some of the anticipated changes -- maybe not specifics if we're not in a position to do that -- if the honourable Minister could speak to the types of changes we should be expecting. I note that the committee that this may go to would probably be GED, and I would appreciate if it goes to all Members by a copy of the letter. Thank you.

Minister of RWED, Mr. Bell.

Further Return To Question 40-15(3): Changes To The Territorial Parks Regulations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is right; the offer has been made to GED. I don't know how the protocol will work in this Assembly, but certainly in the past committees were able to invite other regular Members who had an interest in participating to participate in those meetings. If that's not the case, then I will certainly make the offer to AOC.

I would say that the nature of this policy change is related to the 14-day stay at territorial campgrounds. I know that it has been a difficulty, especially here locally and in Hay River, that the local residents can only stay in any territorial campground for 14 days. It's a problem, especially with the proximity of the campground here at Fred Henne Park to the city. It's very convenient for local residents. We want to make sure that camp spots are available for tourists, but we have to also be able to accommodate the local population who obviously want to enjoy our beautiful campgrounds, as well. So the policy change surrounds that 14-day stay, and we're looking at relaxing that 14-day maximum in the shoulder seasons. I don't have those exact dates before me, but we're talking about spring and fall. In the peak times, I think we'll still have to maintain the 14-day standard, but I think we can relax that when there's less demand on the park. Thank you.