Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to rise in the House of Commons in support of a bill to establish a new marine park in Quebec within the marine area conservation network.
On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank the members of the House of Commons who are present today as well as those who were here before for their co-operation which will result in passage of this major piece of legislation.
Canada can be proud of its vast experience in the vital area of protection of its heritage resources. Canadians feel very strongly about preserving the quality of their natural environment, and this bill to establish the Saguenay—St. Lawrence marine park was drafted in response to their concerns.
The bill is aimed at improving, for conservation purposes and for the benefit of present and future generations, the level of protection given to the ecosystems found in the Saguenay River fjord and in the St. Lawrence estuary, while promoting their use for educational, recreational and scientific purposes.
This approach is in line with the government's position with regard to the protection of ecosystems and sustainable development.
As with the amendments to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, this bill shows the government's willingness to work for the conservation of marine natural resources through the development of legislative and policy measures that respond to global environmental concerns.
This bill is also tangible proof of the government's commitment to sustainable development. It is a positive contribution to the efforts made to protect Canada's biodiversity and to preserve the quality of our natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
The establishment of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park is the result of many years of concerted efforts by the governments of Canada and Quebec, local and regional communities, environmental groups, aboriginal peoples and the scientific community in order to enhance the management and protection of the rich and diversified marine resources of this great region, and especially to protect the belugas in the St. Lawrence.
This bill provides for a complete legislative framework for the management of the federal government's responsibilities. Its purpose is to complete but not overlap the current federal legislation, including the Fisheries Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, the Navigable Waters Protection Act and the Canada Shipping Act.
On December 12, 1996, both governments tabled their respective bills. The federal bill died on the Order Paper when the last federal election was called. However, the Quebec National Assembly adopted Bill 86 on June 5, 1997. The provincial legislation will come into force when the federal legislation is promulgated. Now, it is incumbent upon us to honour our commitments and to create a great marine park in Quebec.
In closing, I take this opportunity to state that I strongly support this bill to establish the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park, which is a basic tool for the protection and enhancement of the most important marine natural resources of this country.
I wish to thank all members of the House, whether they belong to the Bloc Quebecois, the Liberal Party of Canada or the Conservative Party. I urge every member of the House to join me in supporting this bill.