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"ADOPT-A-MUSKY" AND STAGE 2 CELEBRATION
SPANISH, ONTARIO
FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 1999
SPEECH BY BRENT ST. DENIS, MP
Good morning. I am pleased to be here today to participate in the Spanish Harbour Remedial
Action Plan's Official Stage 2 Celebration. On behalf of the Environment Minister, the
Honourable Christine Stewart, I am pleased to accept this Stage 2 Document from your
community and to inform you that the federal and provincial governments have formally
responded to this document. It will be transmitted to the International Joint Commission
with our endorsement.
While this event highlights the progress of this area towards its cleanup goals, I think
all of us can also take great pride in what we are achieving when we pool our resources,
expertise and desire to help the environment. Today we celebrate the fact that the Spanish
Harbour community has addressed its environmental targets. All the recommended remedial
actions have been implemented and Spanish Harbour is now being recognized as an "Area
of Recovery". Monitoring will continue to track the full achievement of Remedial
Action Plan restoration targets.
The release of Musky later today into the Spanish River not only highlights the success of
local environmental work, but also marks another step in the right direction towards what
we as a community are striving for when it comes to the environment--and that is to leave
a legacy rich in biological diversity for our children and future generations.
We are committed to safeguarding the environment so that future generations can enjoy it.
Restoring habitat and water quality to the Spanish Harbour Area of Concern is a key
environmental target outlined in the Canada-Ontario Agreement of 1994. Environment Canada
through its many programs, including the Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund, is working with
community groups such as those here today. Together, we are making significant progress in
achieving these environmental targets.
Projects such as the Musky Reintroduction to the Spanish River would not be possible
without the efforts, expertise, and enthusiasm of the many volunteers, residents,
businesses and local stakeholders who get involved with environmental initiatives. I
congratulate all of you here today, and those working behind the scenes who were unable to
attend today's event. Your work in rehabilitating the environment is an example for all
Canadians.
And now I would like to present this plaque to Marcel Golec, Chair of Friends of the
Spanish River. This plaque recognizes the successes achieved in completing the Remedial
Action Plan for Spanish Harbour. It also recognizes the significant contributions made by
the community towards successfully achieving its environmental goals.
Thank you.
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