Mr. Speaker, today marks the final day for which a court appeal can be launched against the Goat's Eye project at Sunshine Village ski resort. This project was approved in 1992 subject to endorsement by the Environment Assessment Review Panel, which was given.
In September 1993 Parks Canada and Sunshine executed a construction project agreement and a $100,000 bond was issued by Sunshine Village. In November a court injunction was sought by outside environmental groups to prevent further development. In January 1994 the Minister of Canadian Heritage halted development at Sunshine and requested the project be referred to a FEARO panel.
Sunshine Village then launched Federal Court action to enforce its contractual rights with Parks Canada. On October 13, 1994, the Federal Court of Canada ruled in favour of Sunshine Village, given that the environmental assessment provided for sensitive management of the ecosystem during construction.
On behalf of all Canadians who in good faith conduct legitimate business with the Government of Canada, I urge the Minister of Canadian Heritage not to launch an appeal against the Federal Court of Canada's earlier decision.