Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table a petition that is quite timely, given the recent International Joint Commission report and the critical economic downfall situation residents from Manitoulin Island, Tobermory and Owen Sound and area are facing from the government's inaction on the docking ports for the MS Chi-Cheemaun. It basically speaks to the drop in water levels since 1999, with no sign of rebound in 13 years. It is far greater than previous fluctuations, and it has not only caused immeasurable damage to aquatic wetlands and spawning areas along the shores of the North Channel, Manitoulin Island and Georgian Bay but is also causing serious economic and safety concerns for communities in this area.
The petitioners are from across Manitoulin Island, from as far away as Edmonton and from lots of areas in southern Ontario as well. It is not just northern Ontario people who are concerned about the Great Lakes water levels. It is also people across this country.