Mr. Speaker, the minister of cultural heritage has nominated the Tatshenshini-Alsek wilderness area in northern British Columbia as a world heritage site at the United Nations, with absolutely no public discussion, input or support.
The Tatshenshini contains rich mineral deposits worth more than $10 billion. This represents an enormous opportunity for job creation, real job creation, not taxpayer funded handouts, and huge revenues for governments.
A recent Decima research poll shows that 85 per cent of British Columbians believe it is important to check for mineral deposits when considering setting aside land for parks. Sixty-seven per cent believe that mining and other land uses should co-exist.
Clearly the public wants to maintain a viable mining industry in Canada. A world heritage site designation undermines and threatens the future of the Tatshenshini for resource use, which is clearly against the wishes of a vast majority of British Columbians.
I call on the minister to withdraw this undemocratic and unsupported nomination forthwith.