Selby MP John Grogan tabled a House of Commons Early Day Motion last Wednesday urging the Government to extend current legislation on access to the countryside in order to allow canoeists and other non-powered craft the same access rights as those to which walkers are entitled.
The current law in Britain states permission must be sought from every landowner along a stretch of river that canoeists intend to use.
This means if one landowner refuses permission, canoeists won't be allowed on the water. According to the Rivers Access Campaign, only two per cent of rivers in England and Wales have access rights to the public.
In many respects, Britain is unique in its policy regarding river access.
Germany and Hungary, which are regarded as the two most successful canoeing nations in terms of Olympic history, require landowners to tolerate the use of non-powered craft on the majority of rivers.
Mr Grogan argues increased access to waterways in Britain will increase citizen participation in canoeing, which boasts not only health benefits but also possible exposure of the sport to future Olympic champions.
The motion, backed by the British Canoe Union, is also supported by numerous canoeing organisations in Yorkshire including the York University Canoe Club and the White Rose Canoe Club.
Mr Grogan said: "There are 40 canoeing clubs in Yorkshire alone. The rivers belong to us all and should be opened as of right to non-powered craft."