Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his concern and for his question. He has been a very active member on the environment committee.
The original proposal for the endangered species legislation covered only 4 per cent of Canada's land mass. The new legislation, Bill C-65, extends this 4 per cent coverage to 60 per cent. While the legislation does not extend the coverage to 100 per cent,
from sea to sea to sea, it is important to note that the legislation is part of a larger framework.
In October 1996 the federal Minister of the Environment and the provincial ministers responsible for wildlife protection agreed in principle to a national accord to protect species at risk. Under this accord the provinces and territories are co-operating with the federal government to ensure that complementary legislation and programs are put into place.
The member asked if there are stumbling blocks to comprehensive habitat protection. I would prefer to think of these as challenges and opportunities.
Endangered species protection in Canada is dependent on the co-operation of different levels of government, of the public, the private and non-governmental sectors, of groups, organizations and individuals.
Over 90 per cent of Canadians want endangered species legislation. Canadians from all walks of life want species to be preserved and to be protected. They are our most important allies. Some Canadians may have concerns about how the implementation of the endangered species legislation will affect them. It is important to remind the House of the fantastic contribution that ranchers, farmers and other private land owners have made to protect endangered species.
The burrowing owl program in Alberta is one fine example. My mother-in-law in southern Ontario supports habitat protection for migratory birds. She lives on the edge of 100 acres of a heritage wetland along the shore of Lake St. Clair.
Yes, we have challenges but we also have opportunities and partnerships that have been long established. The Canadian people want endangered species legislation and the Canadian people will help us preserve and protect species at risk.