Thank you, Minister. I agree that we need to find solutions and that solutions are out there.
Minister, aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to B.C.'s waters. A 2023 provincial report stated that if invasive mussels are allowed to invade B.C., new annual expenses for B.C. could reach $129 million per year for the maintenance of infrastructure. For far too long, federal DFO funds for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species have not been distributed equitably for western Canada.
Will you work with your officials to balance the allocation of DFO funds for aquatic invasive species and support the protection of water and fish habitats in British Columbia?