lampreyRecently, the Federal Government announced that it is making an investment in new infrastructure to help prevent the spread of invasive Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes. Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, is pleased to see the Government act on this issue after asking the Minister directly in Question Period about this funding.

The announced funding is an $8 million investment over two years to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Government has stated that the investment will be directed towards the maintenance and improvement of low-head physical barriers, as well as the rehabilitation of dams built for other purposes that also serve an important role in Sea Lamprey control.

"I am very pleased to see that the Government has taken action and provided appropriate funding to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to protect our Great Lakes," said Miller. "I was disappointed that this funding was not originally included in Budget 2016 and decided to ask the Minister directly in Question Period. This funding is certainly needed and I am pleased the Government has finally recognized this."

On Wednesday, June 8th, 2016, Mr. Miller rose in Question Period and asked the following question:

"Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission was established in 1955 by Canada and the U.S. It was established on a fixed cost-sharing basis. The United States has consistently increased annual funding to the commission. In budget 2016, the Liberals failed to support the important work of the commission, which includes protecting our Great Lakes from invasive species such as Asian carp and sea lamprey.

Will the fisheries minister please take action to ensure that Canada pays its share to protect our Great Lakes fisheries, yes or no?"

For more information please visit; http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=1082929.

source: media release, MP Larry Miller