In this, the Year of the Family, it is very appropriate that we recognize Betty's dedication to her community and her respect for family and values. Betty Larke has enriched the lives of many people in our community through her strong desire to help others. All Canadians can learn from her example. Mr. Speaker, today, Oceans Day, we celebrate our oceans, the source of life on our planet. First declared in Rio, Oceans Day inspires and challenges us to become caretakers of our ocean environment.
Oceans supply the world's people with more animal protein than any other source.
The sea has given us anti-leukemia drugs from sea sponges, bone graft materials from coral, and diagnostic chemicals from red algae. The ocean is the economic lifeline for coastal communities and fish workers by the millions. For this reason we must keep in mind that human activities have a direct impact on coastal waters. For example, activities which take place inland account for nearly 80 per cent of marine pollution. Inshore dams can cause declining coastal fisheries.