Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure today to remind members of the House and all Canadians that 1998 is the international year of the ocean.
This is not only a year of celebration but also a year to raise public awareness about the role oceans play in our daily lives, even for those Canadians who live far from coastlines.
More than 70% of our planet's surface is covered by water and what we do inland makes a difference to the oceans' health.
Oceans regulate the world's climate and provide more oxygen than the rain forests.
Despite the importance of the oceans to every living being on the planet, they are often taken for granted.
By celebrating the international year of the ocean we can learn more about the three oceans that surround us and include all our communities in efforts to protect them.
We must raise awareness of the importance of this natural resource by involving municipalities, governments, youth groups, neighbours and friends.
It is encouraging that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has taken a leading role on ocean related issues and that the department is seeking collaboration with oceans stakeholders toward the development of Canada's oceans strategy. The goal is to have a strategy in place by the year 2000.