Mr. Speaker, I know that the member's constituents are aware of the fact that as mayor of Dauphin, Manitoba he worked very hard on this issue.
I am sure they are also aware that he continues to work very hard on their behalf, particularly with respect to the complications surrounding all the issues involving the Riding Mountain National Park.
One of the major problems that has been relayed to us by the member is the whole issue of how the parks are managed. They are run almost like a fiefdom. The Riding Mountain National Park is an absolutely classic example.
The direction of the road was changed at the town site on the south end that intersects the park going from south to north. The town site has basically been isolated. The commercial ventures in that area are suffering dreadfully. The parking lots in the area that were formerly overflowing on July 1 and on other holidays are all but empty even on what should be the busiest days.
The park fee structure that has been established in the area and the way in which fees are collected has fundamentally driven business outside the park. Yet, at the same time, Parks Canada is saying “We are not going to allow a renewal of leases in perpetuity”.
I am sure the member has some things to say on this subject because it must be very frustrating for the people in his constituency.