Mr. Speaker, the federal government is strongly committed to ensuring effective protection of Canada's endangered species, which is part of our rich biological heritage.
Although certain aspects of the proposed legislation directly affect only a little more than 5 per cent of Canada's land base, it would also apply to federally managed species everywhere and federally managed marine areas.
The proposed legislation would establish a national listing process that would give legal recognition to all species in Canada at some risk of extinction regardless of where they occur. It is intended to form the federal component of a comprehensive national safety net for the country's most vulnerable species, a safety net in which the federal government does its part in co-operation with the provinces and the territories to ensure that species like the polar bear will continue to grace not only our coins but also our vast northern landscape.
With the co-operation of federal, provincial and territorial governments the proposed legislation would provide a strong national approach for the conservation of endangered species. This action will not intrude in provincial responsibilities. The federal government recognizes the common but differentiated responsibilities of the federal, provincial and territorial governments with respect to endangered species.
The proposed legislation is intended to complement, not contradict, provincial and territorial actions. The federal government is prepared to do its part and encourages the provincial and territorial governments to do theirs to ensure a truly national approach for endangered species conservation. We are confident of their support.
Canadians have a moral responsibility to ensure that future generations enjoy and benefit from the presence of diverse wildlife species. The federal, provincial and territorial governments must provide the required leadership and legislative tools.