Madam Speaker, I too would like to congratulate the hon. Minister of Canadian Heritage on his presentation of the Parks Canada guiding principles and operating policies. It is a result of a much needed process. We agree that with the stress on the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage and the care of our environment, it is now of all times crucial to Canada to have fresh insight into our identity and our vision as a country. This indeed will be inspired by a fresh appreciation of our lands and the recognition of the importance of exploring and developing, renewing and conserving our natural resources and the physical environment.
Any discussion of the management and preservation of our natural heritage though leads us to the complex relationship of the healthy environment and the human activity that must go around that relationship. Federal leadership is necessary in the integration of the economic, the human and the environmental factors.
I suggest three considerations should be kept in mind: First, the development of the ideas and the directions of this proposal must be a balanced approach with equal weight in any decision given to the economic, the social and the technical considerations. Second, the operational and management decisions of any mandate should be based on sound management philosophies, structures, procedures and planning. Third, the very great importance of communication and partnership with any mandate with all provincial governments equally, with private industry, with educational institutions and the public itself to maximize the benefits to all of these.
Parks Canada now has a mandate that should be an example of environmental stewardship and of economic stewardship both nationally and internationally because as we seek to serve all Canadian taxpayers, we need wise management. Those Canadians are wage earners and consumers, therefore we need consideration for jobs and resource management. Those Canadians are citizens of a proud country that has been blessed with a rich heritage and with amazing beauty.