Debates of May 10, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to touch briefly on tourism and Tourism 2010, which has been characterized in my constituency as being long on paper and short on cash and commitment as the government romances big oil. The concern, Mr. Speaker, is that it’s not only underfunded, but we need to look at ways that we are going to be able to do a better job with tourism in the Northwest Territories. Specifically, I would like to make reference to the whole issue of eco-tourism and the accreditation and branding of this particular type of delivery of nature-based tourism that has been developed in Sweden very successfully. It’s been picked up in Australia, New Zealand and other European Union countries, as well as being looked at in the States.

It’s a way that we can put a brand and a way of delivering a unique world-class product in the Northwest Territories that is not available any other place, especially, Mr. Speaker, when you consider the fact that the caribou numbers are affecting the sports outfitting and hunting sector of our economy. That type of switch would be a way to still bring people in who are willing to pay to look at the wildlife, to enjoy the natural wonders of the Northwest Territories, but in a different way. It requires an investment by the government to get involved with all the stakeholders. It’s best driven from the bottom up. It has been successful in Sweden. They have some very successful websites and marketing. Once you have the accreditation, then you are able to put your name out there of your business and it allows you to access a whole new market segment.

So later today, I will ask the Minister responsible for tourism if he would consider looking at this particular area as a way to maybe improve the support in the small communities in the upcoming business planning process for ’08-09. Thank you.

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