Madam Chair, our government has placed significant emphasis on and made large investments in oceans over the last mandate, including the oceans protection plan.
I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to lead the development of a blue economy strategy in collaboration with the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Minister of Economic Development and the Minister of Natural Resources.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economic activity tied to oceans was expected to double to over $4 trillion by 2030. Canada is lagging behind in fully leveraging our blue economy. The strategy will help create good middle-class jobs and opportunities for coastal communities, while advancing our conservation objectives.
I know how important the blue economy is to our rural coastal communities. I am looking forward to working with all parliamentarians as we advance this strategy.