Mr. Speaker, I am please to pay tribute today to one of British Columbia's oldest ranching families, the Froleks. After 100 years and four generations, the Frolek family joined together last Friday with the Government of Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada to protect almost 8,000 acres of threatened grassland habitat in the Thompson-Nicola Valley.
I am proud to say that this project can be credited to our Prime Minister, who made conservation a clear priority for action with support for the natural areas conservation program.
Since the program began last year, it has helped to acquire 84 new properties, resulting in the protection of 80 species at risk. This is a significant conservation achievement that will benefit all Canadians. I offer my special thanks to the Nature Conservancy and the Frolek family.
This outstanding achievement is an inspiration for all Canadians who care about the land legacy we are leaving our children.