Debates of March 19, 2004 (day 4)

March
19
2004
Day
4
Speaker
David Krutko
Word
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Topics
Bill 2: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act
Bill 3: An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act, No. 2
Bill 4: Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2003-2004
Committee Motion 1-15(3): To Investigate The Feasibility Of A Human Resources Service Centre, Carried
Member's Statement On Appointment Of Resident Territorial Court Justice
Member's Statement On The Importance Of Family Support Systems
Member's Statement On Tribute To Rick Tremblay
Member’s Statement On 2004 Social Work Week
Member’s Statement On Caribou Carnival Princess And Queen Contestants
Member’s Statement On Poem Of Politics In The Northwest Territories
Member’s Statement On Recognition Of The Addictions Counselling Profession
Member’s Statement On Tribute To Rick Tremblay
Minister's Statement 7-15(3): 2004 Social Work Week
Minister's Statement 8-15(3): Celebration Of Francophonie Day
Minister’s Statement 10-15(3): Premier Absent From The House
Minister’s Statement 9-15(3): 2004 Arctic Winter Games
Question 37-15(3): Recognition Of Addiction Counsellor Profession
Question 38-15(3): Fuel Assistance For Visitors To The North
Question 39-15(3): Promoting Travel And Tourism In The North
Question 40-15(3): Changes To The Territorial Parks Regulations
Question 41-15(3): Promotional Slogan For The NWT
Question 42-15(3): Social Impacts Of Pipeline Development
Tabled Document 1-15(3): Alternatives North: Stop The NWT Clawback Of The National Child Tax Benefit Supplement
Statements

Question 38-15(3): Fuel Assistance For Visitors To The North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question this morning is to the Minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, and it's in context of my many travels into rural parts of Western Canada and speaking with many of the individuals who would like to come north of 60 to visit our beautiful country. One suggestion they asked me to convey to this Assembly is if the department would consider introducing some form of a gas coupon that they can have once they cross the port of entry at the 60th parallel to see if it would help reduce the cost of their visit to the Territories. I would like to ask the Minister if he's willing to consider such a policy change in that regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Minister of RWED, Mr. Bell.

Return To Question 38-15(3): Fuel Assistance For Visitors To The North

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a very interesting proposal. While I won't commit to making a policy change at this point or implementing such a scheme, it is something that I would like to take a further look at. I had discussions this morning with the Yukon MP, Larry Bagnell. We had discussions about the need to work collaboratively as three territories to brand Canada's North, or brand the Canadian Arctic. I think we can get more bang for our buck if we work in conjunction. I had certainly indicated to him that I will be reaching out to the Ministers of Tourism in Yukon and Nunavut, to have discussions about this. The high cost of accessing our areas is certainly something that hurts us in that regard, and so is a lack of infrastructure. I think we have to do a lot to develop products.

I know it's certainly expensive to travel in this part of the world. Anything we can do that would help offset that I think is welcome. So I would like to sit down with the Member and discuss the proposal further. I think there are probably a lot of good ideas from people in the field. I rely on the NWT Arctic Tourism Association to come up with suggestions, as well, but I would really be interested in hearing from the regular Members with any proposals that they have. Thank you.