Mr. Speaker, we hear the government is drafting new endangered species legislation. Let us hope it gets it right this time. Rural Canadians are insisting that the bill include three fundamental principles: First, there must be equity. All Canadians must bear an equal cost of protection, not just rural Canadians.
Second, it must be incentive based. Landowners should be compensated not punished for compliance.
Third, there must be consultation. Rural Canadians must have a say in how the legislation impacts on their lives.
Will the environment minister and the Government of Canada commit today to these principles, yes or no?