Welcome everyone. Thank you all for joining me.
Every year, on June 8th people around the globe take time to celebrate World Oceans Day. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our oceans and raise awareness about what people can do to help protect our most precious natural resource.
Like many of you, I have a personal connection to the sea. Born and raised in a small coastal community on Prince Edward Island, I was taught from an early age to respect the ocean in terms of what it could give us….and what it could take away.
During my time as Minister, I’ve gained an even deeper respect for our oceans, the bounty that they hold and, of course, the many people who make their livings from – or on – the sea.
It goes without saying that our oceans serve a multitude of purposes.
- They provide world class fish and seafood products that contribute to safe, nutritious food both at home and abroad.
- They provide sustainable livelihoods in terms of harvesting and processing jobs.
- They’re vital to international shipping, trade and commerce which contributes significantly to Canada’s GDP.
- They are a valuable source of renewable energy with respect to wave, tidal and wind power.
- And tourists from around the world flock to Canada to enjoy various recreational activities such as swimming, whale watching and sea kayaking.
But, most importantly, oceans help regulate the world’s climate by producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.
I once heard oceans described as “the lungs of our planet”. This is an accurate description given that our climate, weather and the quality of air that we breathe all depend on interactions between the world’s oceans and the atmosphere.
As you can see, we ask a lot of our oceans.
But it’s important to note that Canadians also ask a lot of you as federal public servants working in this particular portfolio.
Federal leadership on the health of our oceans stems directly from your collective dedication, passion and expertise. Whether you’re conducting scientific marine research, developing mitigation strategies or providing important support functions, together, you’re addressing the many challenges facing Canada’s oceans and coastal regions.
Let me provide some examples.
Every day, important work is taking place to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing which can have a devastating impact on sustainably managed fisheries. I, like all Canadians, value this work tremendously.
I also appreciate the many people who are dedicated to preventing aquatic invasive species from damaging our ecosystems and threatening native species.
Exceptional work is also taking place with respect to protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems from being jeopardized by overfishing, habitat degradation, marine pollution and warming sea temperatures.
These are just a few of countless examples.
The Government of Canada’s National Conservation Plan underscores our ongoing commitment to marine conservation. As you know, $37 million was allocated to DFO and Environment Canada over five years to strengthen marine and coastal conservation. This funding will allow the Department to continue its work with stakeholders to advance current Areas of Interest to Marine Protected Area designation and to develop the national Marine Protected Area Network.
DFO has also received $3.9 million per year in ongoing funding to ensure Marine Protected Areas are effectively managed and monitored.
I also want to mention that the work conducted by this Department has placed Canada at the international forefront of sustainable marine development and ocean health. This is something you should all be very proud of.
With the world’s longest coastline and a proven conservation track record, countries around the world look to Canada as a leader in this field. As Minister, I look to the Department to provide me with the best possible advice, research and scientific evidence upon which so many of my decisions are based.
This advice influences the policies governing our waters and fisheries, the strategic investments that we make and the partnerships that we foster. Taken together, it’s ensuring that Canada is well placed to address the realities of today while anticipating the demands of tomorrow.
It goes without saying that Canadians are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by three oceans, the Great Lakes and an immense sea of Arctic ice. This incredible wealth of water supports an intricate web of marine life which requires responsible and ongoing stewardship by all Canadians and at all levels of government.
But as the demands on our oceans grow, our resolve to protect these natural resources must grow along with it. As Minister, I’m committed to being a strong advocate for healthy, responsibly managed oceans and the development of sustainable solutions.
With your help – and the collective action of all Canadians who rise to the challenge – we can ensure that healthy oceans continue to contribute to a healthy planet….not just for this generation but for those who come after us.
Thank you.