Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister of the Environment for the discussion paper on endangered species legislation released yesterday. The legislation will finally give the federal government the power to protect all plant and animal life in Canada.
I also congratulate the Body Shop, the Canadian Nature Federation and the Sierra Defence Fund for their campaign "There Otter be a Law" which is mobilizing public opinion about the matter.
Yesterday I attended a presentation where three children from across Canada spoke out on behalf of all Canadians and presented thousands of letters, drawings and petitions bearing over 75,000 names to the Minister of the Environment. This presentation was an emotional experience for me. We must protect our planet for our children.
I assure the hon. minister that I will do everything possible to support endangered species legislation in the House.