Mr. Speaker, how can we measure the importance of the Oak Ridges moraine to the Greater Toronto area? By counting the acres that the federal government has protected on the moraine as green space, all 5,562 acres.
We will work with the community, environmental groups, other federal and provincial agencies and the local governments to ensure that this acreage is protected forever.
The Oak Ridges moraine contains the headwaters of 35 Greater Toronto area river systems. It is one of the last remaining continuous green corridors in southern Ontario and has streams, woodlands, wetlands, kettle lakes, kettle bogs and significant flora and fauna. It is still 30% forested and is one of the last refuges for forest birds in all of southern Ontario.
The members of parliament for the Greater Toronto area listened to what their constituents were telling them and took up the fight. We drove this issue, made it happen and got the government on board, way on board, thanks to the transport minister. Why? Because it was the right thing to do.