Mr. Speaker, in September 2000, Canada's first marine protected area, Xwa Yen (Race Rocks), B.C., opened. In 2001 the House passed an act respecting marine conservation areas in Canada.
In 2002 the Speech from the Throne committed to new marine protected areas and new national parks.
Canada was late at moving to protect areas in our three oceans in comparison to the early protection of land areas through our magnificent national parks system.
We Canadians are responsible for areas in three oceans that are the equivalent of 50% of our land mass. This is a huge responsibility that we can take very seriously.
This month let us recognize the anniversary of our first marine protected area and celebrate the Speech from the Throne which extends protected areas offshore and on land.