Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition today on behalf of the town of Georgina, specifically the residents in the community of Keswick, about a new invasive aquatic species known as water soldier.
It was discovered in Cook's Bay, in Lake Simcoe, in 2024 and confirmed by water soldier working group, particularly because of the efforts of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
Water soldier, this invasive aquatic species, is a threat to human health because it is serrated and can injure people. It is also threat to our local agriculture because of its proximity to the Holland River, an important water source for agricultural operations.
The petitioners are calling on the government to do three things: list water soldier as an invasive species; nominate a single federal department to take responsibility; and allocate sufficient funding.
I would note that, instead, the government cut $700,000 from the Canada Water Agency.