Mr. Silver: I have a question for the government about Holland America’s plans for the upcoming tourism season and beyond.

It is my understanding that the company plans to scale back or altogether cut bus tours that go through the Kluane region beginning next summer. This change of plans will have a dramatic effect on the economy of the Kluane region, particularly the communities of Haines Junction and also of Beaver Creek.

Is the government aware of these potential changes? And what information has the government received from Holland America directly about their plans for tours on the north Alaska Highway?

Whitehorse: An announcement that the private sector will take over tours of the S.S. Klondike and Dredge #4 is disappointing but not a surprise, says Klondike MLA Sandy Silver.  He says it is simply confirmation our Member of Parliament was unable to convince his bosses in Ottawa to reverse cuts made a year ago at Parks Canada.

Whitehorse:  As the clock strikes March there is still no word from the Minister of Tourism or Yukon’s Member of Parliament regarding the future of Parks Canada services for the upcoming summer, says Klondike MLA Sandy Silver.  In a January 21^st conference call MP Ryan Leef told stakeholders they would be kept in the loop on his lobbying efforts and that an announcement would be made no later than March 1^st.

Whitehorse:  Klondike MLA Sandy Silver is disappointed Premier Pasloski didn’t include cuts to Parks Canada services on his list of agenda items, when he met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.  A news release from the Government of Yukon listed several other items but failed to mention the future of the S.S. Klondike or Dredge #4.

Whitehorse:  Klondike MLA Sandy Silver used his private members’ motion time on Wednesday afternoon to call on the government to adopt the JJ Van Bibber memoir; I was born under a spruce tree, as part of the Yukon’s education curriculum.  After a friendly amendment the motion received the unanimous support of the assembly.

Whitehorse:  Interim Liberal Leader Sandy Silver welcomed today’s announcement that the Yukon Legislative Assembly will reconvene on October 25. 

Whitehorse: Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Darius Elias says he is pleased with the performance of the Liberal caucus during the Fall Sitting of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly that ended today.  The second-term MLA said the caucus has set a new direction, one that tilts the party to the right of the political spectrum.