Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity, as we debate Parks Canada "Guiding Principles and Operating Policies" tabled today in this House, to reaffirm that the Bloc Quebecois will spare no effort to ensure that the beauty of Quebec's and Canada's wilderness is preserved.
The minister was so kind as to remind the people of Quebec and Canada what a key, positive role the Leader of the Opposition has played in protecting our national heritage, and I thank him for that.
But the minister is no doubt aware that the Bloc Quebecois does not intend to just stand by if the government is remiss in preserving the cultural heritage of Quebec and Canada. I am convinced that, now more than ever, he knows that the Bloc Quebecois will be every bit as vigilant with respect to natural heritage.
When the Leader of the Opposition was minister of the environment, he stated and I quote: "One of the areas in which the department is involved that I always find rewarding is the parks system. Parks Canada represents such beauty and positive things and is such a success that it is always encourages me to carry out my duties. It is one of Canada's greatest achievements, one which is recognized throughout the world. People must realize that our parks system is not only a beautiful sight for us. Other countries envy our national parks system".
In fact, Canada with its parks system is considered as a leader by conservation agencies world-wide. It is fitting for Parks Canada to be a source of inspiration for all future Canadian environmental policies.
The Bloc Quebecois will make sure that the government fulfils its commitment to implement the concept of sustainable development, as stated in the final report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, the Brundtland Report, entitled "Our Common Future".
It should be pointed out that, based on the concept of sustainable development, economic development must be compatible with the long-term preservation of unmanaged ecosystems and survival processes. In Quebec and Canada, we have known for over a century that this wilderness must be preserved, not only for its unmistakable aesthetic beauty, but also because of the causal relationship to be made between what we do in that area and the benefits to be derived in terms of the environment.
We therefore had to reconcile tourism and economic development with environmental protection. Parks must be developed to create jobs in tourism, of course, but never at the expense of future generations.
As you know, there is still a lot to do. The national park network must be completed. Canada's 39 ecoregions attest to its riches and diversity. It would therefore be advisable to establish a park representing every ecoregion.
We will improve and extend the national park network and pay particular attention to the protection of the Arctic environment. As you know, some planned park sites in the Arctic had to be given up because of mining concessions. We must take environmental repercussions into account every time a government project or program is undertaken.
Thousands of jobs are tied to the preservation of this natural heritage. We must also ensure that these sites are impeccably managed, that expenditures are justified, and that includes official residences, of course.
Finally, we emphasize the minister's commitment regarding partnership and co-operation with other levels of government. As he probably knows, Quebec did not get its fair share of national parks. The government must step up its efforts to give Quebec its fair share while respecting its prerogatives and priorities.
The government must resolve all jurisdictional conflicts by co-operating with Quebec, the other provinces and the territories, particularly by taking into account the concerns of local communities. It must seek the direct involvement of Natives when it is needed.
In closing, regarding Parks Canada's updated mandate, may I remind you that the Bloc Quebecois is happy that the mandate has been updated and that the ten guidelines on protecting our historic and natural heritage are being tabled today. We will, of course, examine this document carefully.
Finally, let us recall that this work was undertaken at the Department of the Environment under the leadership of the Opposition Leader when he was minister. He put his stamp of quality on it. His successor only has to follow in his footsteps.