Statement by NDP environment critic Megan Leslie on World Oceans Day

Today, we mark World Oceans Day. Our oceans play a vital role in our lives, regulating the quality of our air, water and climates. Ocean resources are also an essential source of food for billions of humans throughout the planet and form the backbone of the economy for Canada’s many coastal communities.

Unfortunately, this is not a time for celebration in Canada. The Conservative government is putting our oceans and marine environment at risk with their recently announced cuts to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, their gutting of the Fisheries Act and regressive changes to environmental protections made by their Trojan Horse budget bill.

Oceans are being negatively affected by things like climate change, pollution and acidification. The Conservatives’ reckless approach will have serious consequences on the protection of our oceans, and the coastal communities that rely on them.

On this special day, we invite all Canadians to join with us and take action to help protect our oceans. Working together, we can make sure our oceans and marine environment is left in good health for future generations.