Joe Comuzzi celebrates Lake Superior Day and the new Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area

RED ROCK, ON, July 20 /CNW Telbec/ – The Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, today celebrated Lake Superior Day, as well as the recent creation of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA). Mr. Comuzzi also brought greetings on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird.
Lake Superior Day’s festivities included family activities, entertainment and displays and also featured a presentation of the IMAX production Mysteries of the Great Lakes, which received $500,000 from the Government of Canada to support its production.
“Our Government is proud of the partnerships formed to conserve Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world,” said Mr. Comuzzi. “We appreciate the support that local communities provided and look forward to working with them on the development and management of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, the largest freshwater marine protected area in the world.”
The Lake Superior NMCA extends from Thunder Cape at the tip of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in the west, to Bottle Point just east of Terrace Bay and out to the Canada-U.S. boundary. It includes the waters of Black Bay and Nipigon Bay and is approximately twice the size of Prince Edward Island. Prime Minister Harper, Minister Baird and Mr. Comuzzi all played an important role in the establishment of this national treasure.
First Nations and local communities have demonstrated their common will to protect the rugged beauty of this extraordinary natural area, to maintain its use for recreational purposes and to strengthen its contribution to the local economy.
“As part of our celebrations around Lake Superior Day, I’m very pleased to say our Government has contributed $500,000 to support the award-winning IMAX production and team of Science North,” said Mr. Comuzzi. “IMAX films are recognized for reaching wide audiences and provide a great opportunity to connect urban Canadians with the Great Lakes and to develop a culture of conservation.”
Produced by Science North, Mysteries of the Great Lakes explores the complex freshwater ecosystems of the Great Lakes and the ecological challenges they face. The film offers a unique opportunity for Canadians to see stunning shots of Canada’s new Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. For more information about Mysteries of the Great Lakes and show times in your area, visit: http://www.mysteriesofthegreatlakes.com/.
National marine conservation areas are part of Parks Canada’s family of heritage areas and are a legacy to future generations. Each one represents the natural and cultural characteristics of the marine region it represents and demonstrates how protection can be balanced with sustainable use.
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/For further information: Sharon Ostberg, Coordinator, Lake Superior, National Marine Conservation Area, (807) 346-2900; Svenja Hansen, Communications Officer, Northern Ontario Field Unit, (807) 346-2911; (Also available on the Internet at www.pc.gc.ca under Media Room.)/