(a) The proposed Pacific Rim national park lies within areas currently subject to comprehensive land claim, or treaty settlement, negotiations. Where proposed national parks are affected by aboriginal claims, government policy precludes proclamation of these parks until the claims are settled. Pending settlement of these claims, however, such parks may be proclaimed as national park reserves. This allows the proposed park area to be administered in the interim pursuant to the National Parks Act.
(b) The treaty claims affecting Pacific Rim are currently in negotiation and have no specific timeframe for conclusion. When settlements have been reached, the goverment will move expeditiously to proclaim all three components of the proposed Pacific Rim national park, not just phase 3, as a national park.