Hon. Patricia Bovey: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

As you know, I, along with Senators Coyle and Galvez, attended COP 27 over the last two weeks. For my part, I spent a great deal of time in the discussions around oceans protection, which is coming to the forefront again with COP 15 being held in Montreal in a few weeks.

Canada has accomplished much in this sphere, including the creation of 14 Marine Protected Areas along our coasts. Has the Government of Canada begun consultations regarding the expansion of these protected areas, and is there a proposed timeline as to the introduction of the legislation that has been promised?