Mr. Speaker, with Canadian offshore oil and gas activities expanding, issues are emerging that require advanced scientific knowledge.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is establishing a national Centre for Offshore Oil and Gas Environmental Research, or COOGER, at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography to build on DFO science expertise and to provide enhanced levels of scientific information for future needs.
COOGER will improve scientific knowledge, identify priority research needs, and coordinate and implement collaborative research efforts. Through national DFO science coordination COOGER will optimize current and future research initiatives, and build on existing regional research expertise and infrastructure.
I would like to commend the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for his commitment to see the establishment of this important centre.