Mr. Speaker, today is World Water Day.
In 1993 the United Nations called upon all nations to promote the conservation and protection of water resources in a sustainable manner. For Canadians, freshwater has an important real and symbolic value. This is why in 1997 we participated in the Global Forum on Water Resources.
Nine per cent of the world's renewable freshwater is found within Canada. We must do everything we can to protect it. Freshwater sustains our life and health on a daily basis. It is a commodity worth preserving.
Our government is leading initiatives to restore, conserve and protect major Canadian watersheds. We are working on the prohibition of the bulk removal of water, including water for export. This is the first issue being addressed nationally as part of the federal freshwater strategy which is presently under development.
On this important day I would encourage all members of parliament to consider the growing global concerns for water quality and quantity.