Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to address the House today on a significant event that is taking place in my riding.
The Long Point national wildlife area, Point Pelee National Park and Prince Edward Point national wildlife area have all been officially dedicated as Monarch Butterfly Reserves. As part of the Canada-Mexico environmental co-operation program this dedication adds to the already recognized environmental initiatives that Long Point is involved in.
Long Point is a special place and is home to a diverse variety of wildlife. Long Point is already recognized as a biosphere reserve and Ramsar site. The combination of public and private lands that make up this fragile piece of landscape together produce one of the most unique and sensitive ecosystems in Canada today. Long Point
is one of three locations where the Monarch butterfly concentrates before its long journey to its wintering grounds in Mexico.
Most of us recognize the Monarch as a special butterfly and by ensuring the future health and well-being of this insect Elgin-Norfolk and all Canadians can take pride in being part of this important environmental initiative.
I commend the Long Point Bird Observatory and the Norfolk field naturalists.