Mr. Speaker, Canada signed the protocol on environmental protection of the Antarctic treaty in 1998 but has yet to ratify it. The protocol deals with the protection of the entire globe south of 60 degrees south latitude. This region is set aside for peace and research.
Canada has special skills in cold weather science and technology. We have a moral obligation to help protect Antarctica.
I urge that we set up a Canadian Antarctic research program. I urge that we become an active member of the convention on conservation of Antarctic marine living resources commission. In particular, I urge again that we ratify the Antarctic environmental protocol.