Mr. Speaker, I would like to turn your attention to one of the world's most important natural resources, our Great Lakes.
The area surrounding the Great Lakes is home to 8.5 million Canadians and is of great economic importance to Canada. Recognizing this, Canada and Ontario signed an agreement respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, crafted to restore and protect the ecosystem, to prevent and control pollution and to conserve species, population and habitats. A strong ecosystem is also integral to a healthy and vigorous economy.
Since signing the Canada-Ontario agreement water quality has improved substantially. Among the accomplishments is a significant decrease in the levels of contaminants in the lakes and an increase in the number of sentinel species, such as lake trout and osprey. Yet there is much more to be done. I make the plea for new funding to improve our waterways and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
I call for the renewal of the Canada-Ontario agreement to ensure continued co-operation and co-ordination in this important endeavour. Above all else, let us leave an environmental legacy to our children.