Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and thank the hard working men and women who staff our national parks and historical sites.
As Canadians we can be very proud of the quality of our Parks Canada facilities and the quality of service that is provided by a dedicated staff of professionals, men and women who are committed to what are undoubtedly some of Canada's greatest natural resources, our parks and historical sites. These represent an important part of Canadian identity from coast to coast to coast.
In Parry Sound-Muskoka, Parks Canada has responsibility for Georgian Bay Island National Park in the west of my riding and Bethune Memorial House in Gravenhurst. Both facilities have fine reputations and attract visitors from around the world, adding significantly to our local tourist economy.
I congratulate the Parks Canada staff for their fine work on our behalf and for maintaining our resources to the highest standard. Specifically I would like to acknowledge the dedication of Mike Walton, Mary Ellen Corcelli and her staff who are responsible for Bethune House and Georgian Bay National Park.