Communiqué de presse |
The Governments of Canada and Quebec are evaluating the feasibility of preserving and enhancing the marine environment of Îles de la Madeleine |
June 27, 2019, Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec. - Nature is an important part of the Canadian and Quebec identity. For this reason, the Governments of Canada and Quebec have each committed to preserving marine biodiversity and thus entered into a collaborative arrangement in March 2018 for the establishment of a network of marine protected areas in Quebec. Today, Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Benoit Charette, Quebec Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, announced the launch of a joint feasibility study to evaluate the potential for creating a marine protected area in Îles de la Madeleine. This study, which will extend over a few years, will help to identify the benefits and limitations related to the designation of a potential marine protected area, as well as sectors of interest, conservation measures and possible management methods adapted to the needs of the region. The various stakeholders involved in the creation of a potential marine protected area in the archipelago will be consulted, including the community. The islands of Îles de la Madeleine are representative of a unique natural and cultural heritage in Quebec where the population holds a special relationship with the marine environment. The fisheries sector is an example of good practices that have been at the forefront of implementing sustainable resource management measures. The Governments of Canada and Quebec will continue to work together to develop this iconic site, to better protect nature and to address climate change. The feasibility study will not modify any law, regulation, current marine environment activities or existing fisheries in Îles de la Madeleine. Quotes “Canada is working to double the amount of protected nature in Canada’s lands and oceans. By working with Quebec, the establishment of a marine protected area in Îles de la Madeleine would protect a region of ecological and cultural richness. Îles de la Madeleine holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians and Quebecois, and this collaboration represents a fundamental step toward the protection of nature and the culture of this iconic place.” Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada “By ensuring the expansion of Quebec's network of protected areas, the Government of Québec is trying to save representative samples of all of its biological diversity, including from the marine environment, and is interested in preserving fragile or exceptional environments as well as the habitats of threatened or vulnerable species. For all of these reasons, the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago is particularly worthy of interest. This is one of the jewels of our great territory.” Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change “The establishment of a joint marine protected area in Îles de la Madeleine would serve to represent the Magdalen Shallows region, whose oceanographic characteristics are unique to Quebec and Canada, while helping to preserve its cultural and ecological importance for future generations.” The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie — Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine Quick facts
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SOURCES :
Louis-Julien Dufresne Press Secretary Office of Quebec’s Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change 418-521‑3911 |
Sabrina Kim Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change 819-938-9413 sabrina.kim2@canada.ca |
INFORMATION :
Media Relations Quebec Ministry of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change 418-521-3991 |
Media Relations Parks Canada Agency 855-862-1812 pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca |