Mr. Speaker, the annual report of the St. Lawrence River Vision 2000 Action Plan was released on May 13.
This report also summarizes the initiatives undertaken by the various action plan parties, as well as the progress achieved for the protection, the conservation and the enhancement of the St. Lawrence River.
Progress has been made in most of the areas designated as priorities by St. Lawrence Vision 2000.
For example, a fish-pass was built at the Saint-Ours dam, allowing five species at risk to have access to habitats located between the Saint-Ours and Chambly dams on the Richelieu River. New recovery plans were prepared for three animal species.
In the area of community involvement, some 30 new concrete action programs have been funded through the Community Interactions Program.
This annual report is evidence of the continuing efforts by the governments of Canada and Quebec to clean up the St. Lawrence River.