Harper Government introducing Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area Act

OTTAWA, June 2, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the introduction of Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area Act to formally establish the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.

The proposed Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) comprises more than 10,000 square kilometres of the lake, and includes lakebed, islands and north shorelands – making it one of the largest freshwater marine protected areas in the world.

First Nations, Métis and local communities have demonstrated their common will to protect the rugged beauty of this extraordinary natural area, to maintain its use for recreational purposes and to strengthen its contribution to the local economy. The Government of Canada is committed to engaging communities and partners, including First Nations and Métis, in order to protect and present our natural places.

Establishing a NMCA in Lake Superior contributes to Canada's National Conservation Plan (NCP) with concrete action to conserve Canada's lands and waters and connect Canadians to nature, while contributing to NCP goals of encouraging local initiatives and partnerships that will lead to positive results.

Quick Facts

• National marine conservation areas are part of the Parks Canada family of protected areas.
• Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world.
• The shores of the Lake Superior NMCA showcase the region's geology, prominently displaying its volcanic origins, as well as evidence of a meteorite impact.
• Fossils depicting the beginnings of life on earth dating back some 2.1 billion years are found in the Lake Superior NMCA.
• Parks Canada's investments in the region have supported the communities in the development and promotion of various tourism initiatives and infrastructure.
• As Canada celebrates Environment Week from May 31 to June 6, this proposed legislation demonstrates the Government of Canada's continued international conservation leadership.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to conserving and protecting Canada's rich natural heritage. Since 2006 we have put a lot of effort into protecting the Great Lakes and today's announcement builds on this. The establishment of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area will further protect an outstanding example of Canada's marine environment and provide opportunities for Canadians to experience this vast marine landscape and world-class tourism destination."

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq,
Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

"This legislation clearly demonstrates our commitment to environmental protection by establishing the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. Northern Ontarians, and indeed all Canadians, will benefit from the protection of Lake Superior."

The Honourable Greg Rickford,
Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and Minister of Natural Resources

Related Product

• Backgrounder : Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

Associated Link

www.parkscanada.gc.ca

SOURCE Parks Canada

For further information: Jonathan Lefebvre, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, [e-mail]