Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment t:o thank the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for funding opportunities under the recreational fisheries conservation partnerships program, and the member for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette for spawning the idea.
I had the opportunity to announce funding for the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority last week, with assistance from the member for Durham. Our government is providing significant funding to the Ganaraska River riparian tree planting project.
I am pleased to see the success of this program and for the government's continued commitment to support individuals and organizations working along the shores of lakes, rivers, and streams across the country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations.
Projects like these have a direct benefit on the health of our watersheds as well as an indirect benefit on local economies. Recreational fishing alone attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year.
Projects funded under the recreational fisheries conservation partnerships program will benefit our communities for many years to come.