The Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa, Dan Mazier, is criticizing the federal government's handling of the closure of Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP).

Mazier takes issue with park management closing down the park and causing some confusion as to whether or not the businesses in Wasagaming were still open.

“The local management has really let the businesses down that are in Wasagaming. They had blockades up in the streets, they had signs saying the park was closed, and yet the businesses were open and there were no indications on that.”

Mazier’s concerns are shared by the MP for Brandon-Souris, Larry Maguire.

The two Westman MP’s are asking the federal government to collaborate with Manitoba Public Health to safely reopen the national park for watercraft use and overnight camping.

As Manitoba’s provincial parks have been open for several weeks — allowing camping and boating — the two MP’s say it seems reasonable to allow Riding Mountain National Park to reopen in the same way.

MP Mazier is asking the people of the Parkland to support those businesses in RMNP that have remained open during the park closure — but have suffered a significant loss of business as they head into a short season.

“They’re still feeling the effects of that — trying to catch up in a very short tourism season.”

While the national park opens June 1st for limited day-use activities — boating, kayaking and paddleboarding is still not allowed until June 12th. Camping at Riding Mountain National Park is being ruled out until June 21st at the earliest.