Mr. Speaker, the Canadian freshwater fishery has an important role to play in the economy of the country, in particular the economies of the northern regions of the provinces.
The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has completed a much needed review of the operations of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation and has made recommendations to the minister of fisheries.
Those recommendations go too far according to reports I have received from groups involved in the fishery in Saskatchewan concerned about the future of the industry and therefore the future of those regional economies.
Changes can and must be made to the freshwater fishery that will improve participation, opportunity and income for the people involved.
The minister of fisheries has received a request for a meeting with Saskatchewan fisheries groups. To ensure a complete understanding of this important issue from the perspective of those involved in the fishery and the communities dependent upon the freshwater fishery, I urge the minister to accept that invitation and meet with them as soon as possible.