Mr. Speaker, I came to the House as an environmentalist and today I still call myself an environmentalist.
I realize that our world is magnificent and that it is incumbent upon each of us to do all we can to protect the earth and the species that live upon it.
With this in mind, I was delighted to hear the Minister of the Environment introduce the species at risk act earlier this week. The act covers all wildlife species listed as being at risk and their critical habitats. As well, the act recognizes for the first time the Council on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The minister will have to report annually to parliament on the council's assessment of species at risk in Canada.
This is a strong step forward to protect the biodiversity of our natural environment. I congratulate the minister for his work thus far.