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News release
Ottawa and Quebec Mark the Official Creation of the Saguenay—St.Lawrence Marine Park
Tadoussac, June 12, 1998 – The Quebec Minister of Environment and Wildlife Paul Bégin and the Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps presided today over the ceremony marking the official creation of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park.
"Through the laws which are proclaimed today, Quebec extends to the marine environment the protection it has ensured to the shore environment on the border of the Saguenay Fjord and to a large part of the St. Lawrence Estuary for the past 15 years," stated minister Bégin. "Beyond this legislation," he added, "the creation of the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park pays tribute to an exceptional environment, to the river and to all it represents for Quebecers."
"This inauguration is the result of many years of coordinated effort by the Canadian and Quebec governments, local and regional communities, environmental groups, First Nations groups and the scientific community to ensure the protection of the park's natural resources," announced Minister Copps. "We are proud of this partnership, which shows what can be accomplished when we work together toward a common goal."
This park is the first whose role is to protect a maritime region in Quebec. This marine park law will, among other things, enable the adoption of legislation for the protection of whale habitats and of ecosystems. The park will also serve to educate the public about our rich natural heritage while promoting a solid and durable tourist industry, a must for the local economy.
"The Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park is an important asset to the family of Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks and National Historic Sites," said Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State (Parks). "The Park's creation will enable us to preserve and develop precious examples of the country's wonders of the sea for the benefit of present and future generations."
This agreement aimed at creating the marine park is a first in Canada. The National Assembly in Quebec City and the House of Commons in Ottawa, through the Saguenay—St. Lawrence Marine Park Acts 86 and C-7, both announced the creation of the marine park, located at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence estuary.
Information:
Jacques Lefebvre
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Caroline Drouin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Wildlife
(418) 521-3911
Également offert en français
Date modified: 1998/06/12 – Important Notices
