Mr. Speaker, when I mention the burrowing owl, many think of one of British Columbia's premier wineries. We should not forget that it took the name burrowing owl to raise awareness that this rare species of owl was actually declared extinct in British Columbia back in 1980. However, the winery, working with the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society and other community volunteers, is working hard to change that.
Last week the Upper Nicola first nation hosted an event where six burrowing owls were released onto the reserve that also features artificially created burrows in the nearby habitat. This event was the first time in history that burrowing owls have been reintroduced onto first nations land in British Columbia. This event did not happen overnight and in fact required roughly two years of preparation.
I hope the house will join me in congratulating the Upper Nicola first nation, the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society, the many volunteers, and our federal species at risk interdepartmental fund for making this great day possible.