Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and members of the committee.
I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation.
At the Canadian wildlife service, our mission is to protect wildlife and the places they call home, especially migratory birds and species at risk. Canada's oceans and coasts are vital to that work. They support biodiversity, help fight climate change and connect communities across the country.
We have reviewed the commissioner's recent audit on marine protected areas and are working closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada to respond. We are improving how we apply federal protection standards and how we share information with Canadians.
Right now, the Canadian wildlife service manages 55 marine sites, including the Scott Islands off Vancouver Island, Canada's first fully marine national wildlife area. It protects nesting grounds for 40% of British Columbia's seabirds. We are also exploring a new protected area in Haida Gwaii, an ecologically rich and culturally significant place, working closely with the Haida Nation council every step of the way.
Our priority is to protect nature, build partnerships and make sure that Canadians can see and understand the progress we're making.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to any questions.