Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise on behalf of the constituents of Sackville—Eastern Shore to declare the New Democratic Party's continuing support in principle for Bill C-7, an act to establish the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park.
I am proud to speak in support of this initiative and to recommend that the final report be accepted by the House. All Canadians will benefit from the preservation of this unique marine ecosystem.
I trust the spirit of co-operation demonstrated by all parties toward establishing the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park will continue through further efforts to protect Canada's role in this area throughout the 36th Parliament as we strive to protect our natural heritage for future generations.
I wish to acknowledge the work undertaken by the House Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to expedite the passage of Bill C-7. The wisdom and guidance shown by the committee chair, my distinguished colleague from Lac St. Louis, deserves recognition from all members of the House. I congratulate all committee members and associates for their invaluable insights, comments and level of co-operation.
As I stated at second reading and as mentioned by my colleagues at that time, this notable effort has involved the participation of many Canadians. The communities were consulted. Aboriginal participation was ensured and input from all stakeholders was accepted.
The public participation process incorporated throughout the conception of Bill C-7 and in the evolution to the final report before us today is a fine example of what can be accomplished when Canadians agree on a challenge and together strive toward a common purpose and achieve a just conclusion.
As I sated at second reading and shall mention again, the degree of intergovernmental co-operation serves as a hallmark which I hope can be applied to future endeavours between federal and provincial governments.
I would be remiss if I did not draw attention to several matters raised in a previous debate regarding Bill C-7, by participants during the years of marine park development, and through recent consultations and correspondence received by the New Democratic Party.
I acknowledge and accept, as mentioned earlier in my speech, the wisdom and guidance demonstrated by my distinguished colleague from Lac St. Louis. His ability to expedite the progress of Bill C-7 and to ensure implementation without further delay is a credit to the House and a fine reference to Parliament's ability to serve Canadians in a positive manner.
I call upon my colleagues, the hon. Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Secretary of State for Parks, to acknowledge and commit to the following requests submitted by concerned Canadians.
I agree the establishment of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park has involved an admirable public participation process over many years. To have asked for further consultations, to have called for numerous amendments and to have requested various forms of additional review would have resulted in unnecessary and detrimental delays.
I call upon members of the House to acknowledge and include in the consideration of further marine park projects the following language in the preamble and purpose of future bills:
That the preamble shall include such language as to reflect a desire “to conserve and to maintain the integrity of the natural ecosystems within the park's boundaries”.
I do not intend to portray Bill C-7 as ignoring this principle. Nor do I call for an amendment. I wish to convey to my colleagues an opportunity to strengthen the underlying purpose for establishing marine parks, which is to conserve and preserve our natural heritage for this and future generations.
The following addition to the purpose of future marine park bills will assist in a successful marine parks program and increase the level of protection of marine ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations:
This will be done by preserving and maintaining the integrity of natural ecosystems within the park boundaries, and in particular by protecting and aiding the recovery of species and populations designated at risk.
I ask my colleagues to acknowledge these requests so that they may be included for consideration in future noble park efforts.
I thank the House for the opportunity to speak on these matters. I will voice again the support of the New Democratic Party for the acceptance of the final report, Bill C-7.
On a personal note, I hope that the same co-operation exists when it comes time to debate park status for Lawler and McNabb Island in the beautiful harbour of Halifax, Nova Scotia.