Discussion · Adjournment Proceedings
William Stevenson Conservative
“Parks Canada wastes money on executive bonuses and catering, but cut the rescue dog program in Banff. Winter is coming and we need these dogs for avalanches. I want the government to bring the program back.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to first say that this is all about decisions. We can look at a lot of the choices that are made with regard to Parks Canada. Last year, it gave $2 million worth of bonuses to executives and paid over $400,000 in catering. This is all about decisions. Meanwhile, the Canada strong pass reduced the amount of fees that were collected from those who were visiting, so that reduced the actual income. That is a choice that affects spending. Regarding the rescue dog program in Banff, when I first heard about this decision, I knew immediately that this was something that needed to be addressed right now, before we have deep snow and an increased risk of avalanches. We have received dozens of emails and calls already and have thousands of signatures on an e-petition that was only started yesterday. This is not a cost-saving measure. Will the government commit to reinstating the rescue dog program in Banff?”
Mr. Speaker, I want to first say that this is all about decisions. We can look at a lot of the choices that are made with regard to Parks Canada. Last year, it gave $2 million worth of bonuses to executives and paid over $400,000 in catering. This is all about decisions. Meanwhile, the Canada strong pass reduced the amount of fees that were collected from those who were visiting, so that reduced the actual income. That is a choice that affects spending. Regarding the rescue dog program in Banff, when I first heard about this decision, I knew immediately that this was something that needed to be addressed right now, before we have deep snow and an increased risk of avalanches. We have received dozens of emails and calls already and have thousands of signatures on an e-petition that was only started yesterday. This is not a cost-saving measure. Will the government commit to reinstating the rescue dog program in Banff?