moved for leave to introduce Bill C-346, an act respecting the creation of sanctuaries for endangered species of wildlife.
Madam Speaker, one of the challenges facing our country is the identification of critical habitat based on scientific means. The bill would enable critical habitat, habitat essential to the preservation of endangered species, to be protected. The designation of a species would be done on scientific grounds based on COSEWIC.
The bill would obligate the federal government to enter into agreements not only with provinces but with private landowners. Under extenuating circumstances where no agreement can be reached the bill would enable the federal government to impose minimal expropriation. Individuals would be remunerated at fair market value for whatever is expropriated.
The bill would strike a balance between private and public interests for species deemed endangered.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)