Madam Chair, I spoke of the Atlantic coast and I spoke, in the last question, of coast to coast to coast, but I would like to speak a little bit about, and the question will be on, the Great Lakes.
Among my colleagues in the House and at committee, I've been reminded and actually learned a lot about the importance of the Great Lakes and, more specifically, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission. As the member for Niagara Centre has reminded me, the economic, environmental and socio-cultural significance of the Great Lakes is extremely profound.
The Great Lakes contain 20% of the planet's fresh surface water, and they are the basis of billions of dollars of economic activity. They are essential to the well-being of communities on both sides of the border. Ecologically, they support numerous species, providing drinking water for many and supporting thousands of jobs.
The Great Lakes Fisheries Commission was established by the Great Lakes Fisheries Convention of 1954 between the United States of America and Canada, for the purpose of protecting and supporting the Great Lakes fisheries, particularly to control the invasive sea lamprey; to conduct scientific research that was needed; and to ensure the management overall of the Great Lakes fisheries.
Could the minister speak to the important investments we are making in the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission and how we are supporting the binational partnerships with the United States of America?