This approach reminds us that no coastal country, including Canada, can lay exclusive claim to the waters it borders. All nations share one, global ocean and Canada is proud to be a partner with the UN in protecting a great natural treasure.
Oceans have a positive impact on every community in Canada.
However, these waters are a finite resource and every Canadian has a stake in protecting them. Concrete plans are already underway for a number of IYO activities. Minister Anderson signed The Ocean Charter on Canada's behalf in September, 1997. Through a bulletin board, Canadians will be able to add information about the world ocean, what they are doing to protect it and their own IYO celebrations. Minister Anderson also unveiled the Canadian IYO flag that will be flown by all the Canadian Coast Guard vessels throughout 1998.