(OTTAWA) - Bruce Hyer, Deputy leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Thunder Bay- Superior North), issued the following statement regarding the passage of Bill C-61 the Act to amend the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas, by the Senate:
“With the unanimous approval of both the House and Senate to pass Bill C-61, the Lake Superior Marine Conservation Area is now the largest freshwater protected area in the world. At 1,000,000 hectares in size, the new conservation area will protect dozens of islands and much of the shoreline, marine ecosystems, fisheries and threatened species like woodland caribou and threatened lake sturgeon. It will pave the way for the injection of tens of millions of federal dollars and the creation of new jobs in municipalities and First Nations across the spectacular Superior north shore. The Lake Superior Marine Conservation area will become highlighted as a world class destination for ecotourism, including hiking, boating, birdwatching, fishing, sea kayaking, and nature tours. It dovetails neatly with recent federal and provincial funding announcements for the TransCanada Trail through northern Ontario.
The bill was introduced by the Harper government on June 2, too late to be passed by normal House procedures. However, Green Party MP’s were able to garner support in both Chambers to fast track C-61 in just four days, so it would not die on the order paper. Deputy Leader Bruce Hyer asked for, and received, unanimous consent in the House on June 18, and the Senate gave third reading on June 24.”
Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP (Saanich – Gulf Islands), concluded:
“This is a tremendous victory, not just for Greens, but for all Northwestern Ontario communities. It demonstrates that Green MPs can foster collaboration and consensus with other Parliamentarians. We will continue to strive for a Canada that works together. That’s what all Canadians expect and what they deserve.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca