NDP statement on World Oceans Day

NDP Fisheries & Oceans critic Robert Chisholm (Dartmouth – Cole Harbour) made the following statement on World Oceans Day:

“Today we mark World Oceans Day, to honour the resources that come from our oceans and to increase awareness about the impacts that human activities are having on ocean life.

“Canada is steward of more than 7.1 million square kilometres of oceans and we have the world’s longest coastline. We have the responsibility to future Canadians, and the whole world, to protect it as best we can.

“That is why New Democrats will continue to advocate for more scientific research and to push for an integrated network of marine protected areas across Canada, and why we have urged the Conservatives to reconsider their reckless plan to cut Canadian Coast Guard marine safety, environmental response and clean-up capacity. We must do our share to protect the world’s oceans from the dangers of pollution, over-fishing, marine transportation, oil and gas exploration, and climate change.

“I would also like to thank all the volunteers, organizations and scientists across Canada who work tirelessly to protect and preserve our oceans.”