J. Slater: Senkulmen, in the Okanagan language, means a place to work and create. What a befitting name for the Osoyoos Indian Band's new business park. Mr. Speaker, you and I had the privilege, along with Chief Clarence Louie, Elder Modeste Betterton, other reps from the Okanagan Nation, Senator Gerry St. Germain, Federal Minister Lynne Yelich and the mayors of the towns of Osoyoos and Oliver to recently participate in the ribbon cutting of the 112-acre Senkulmen Business Park.

The Osoyoos Indian Band over the past decade has embarked upon an aggressive program of economic development, resulting in 11 enterprises generating $25 million annually. These enterprises represent the Nk'Mip project which includes a winery, vineyards, resort hotel, RV park, real estate, golf course, interpretive centre and a number of other businesses employing in excess of 800 people, with aboriginal employment of over 225.

This park will include a wine distribution centre, currently under construction. This 10,000 square foot centre is a climate-controlled multi-winery warehousing that will be operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band in a joint venture with Bronquest Properties, Inc.

These successes have been driven by their CAO, Chief Clarence Louie. I have known Chief Louie for about 30 years now, and at most events we kind of joke over our past. He used to be a pitcher, and he always used to strike me out. That's what he always tells everybody.

Chief Louie has excelled at creating partnerships. The Osoyoos Indian Band has partnered with the federal, the provincial and local governments, as well as the private sector, to create an environment for job creation. This park will establish itself as a model not only for First Nations but for all communities, much in the way the Nk'Mip project established high standards and the successes in the tourism industry.

The infrastructure in place and the Senkulmen Business Park will be a great home for the correctional facility that is proposed for the Okanagan. I support their initiative.