Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Northwest Territories is renowned for its aweinspiring landscapes, pristine wilderness and warm hospitality, so no one should be surprised that our tourism industry has become a vital pillar of our economy and source of pride for our people. However, the same industry is now under grave threat by the suffocated excessive red tape, unreasonable demands from our own government. In recent years, the Northwest Territories has emerged as a soughtafter destination for travels from all over, from corners of all of the globe. Our remote lodges, tucked away in the heart of our nature, have been a haven for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of southern city life.
They have provided not only employment opportunities for our residents but also showcase the unique beauty and culture richness of our land. Yet, instead of nurturing and supporting this thriving industry, our government has chosen to burden it with a web of bureaucracy of obstacles. The excessive red tape imposed on remote lodges have reached unprecedential levels stifling their growth and endangering their very existence. What was once a thriving industry, contributing significantly to our economy and fostering community development, now faces an uncertain future. It is astonishing that these burdens and regulations have been thrust upon tourism operators without any corresponding changes to the territorial regulations. Our hardworking lodge owners and operators find themselves caught in a web of everincreasing demands demanding tens of thousands of dollars of unnecessary expenses.
This is a gross injustice as it places burden on our entrepreneurs and jeopardizes their livelihood of countless families across the Northwest Territories. Our government must be reminded of our duty to support and promote our own local business, not to suffocate them with unreasonable demands and standards. We demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials. They must provide a valid justification for these excessive regulations and explain why they are necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of our tourism industry. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my Member's statement. Thank you.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, colleagues. I'm calling upon the Minister of ITI to work with her colleagues to reevaluate their approach and support the hardworking lodge owners and operators who have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into creating a unique experience of our visitors. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have brought the wonders of our land to the world. We need a government that fosters an environment conducive to growth and innovation, not the ones that stifle it. We cannot allow excessive red tape to strangle our tourism industry and rob us of our opportunities it brings. It is time that our government respects the needs of our tourism operators while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our visitors with a fair and supportive environment for our tourism industry. I would have questions for the appropriate Minister at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Tu NedheWiilideh. Members' statements. Member for Monfwi.
