Gail Shea

[Fisheries and Oceans, September 25th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, not at all. This area has been subject to a redfish fishing moratorium since 1995.

However, in 1999 the decision was made to allow for a small 2,000 tonne test fishery to support science and the monitoring of stocks.

The division of access of this test fishery was split between larger and smaller vessel fleets according to the historical access prior to the moratorium. Inshore fishers have participated in this test fishery most of the years since it has been implemented. Recently I have heard concerns from several industry members of the presence of larger vessels. Therefore, I have asked that this issue be examined as part of a recently formed DFO working industry group on redfish.

[The Environment, September 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I cannot speak to Quebec's authorization, but that was the subject of yesterday's ruling. It was a review undertaken by the Quebec provincial government under Quebec provincial laws.

DFO conducted its own review of TransCanada's work, and we did approve it, based on science advice and under the strictest conditions.

[The Environment, September 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, again let me repeat: the judge was not ruling on a federal authorization; the judge was ruling on a Quebec provincial authorization, and I cannot speak for the Province of Quebec.

However, I do know that our DFO scientists conducted reviews, reviewed TransCanada's work, and approved it based on the very strictest conditions.

This is a legal matter. I have nothing more to add. As I said before, all of the scientific information is on the Internet.

[The Environment, September 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, let me repeat again. The object of yesterday's ruling was a review of a Quebec provincial government law. I cannot speak for the Province of Quebec, but what I can say is that DFO conducted its own review of TransCanada's work and approved it based on strict conditions. The decision was based on science, carried out with the expertise of DFO scientists.

I find it ironic that the New Democrats claim to be on the side of science and then turn around and question our scientists' competence when it suits their politics.

[The Environment, September 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, let me clarify something. The object of yesterday's ruling was a review and authorization undertaken by the Quebec provincial government under provincial laws in Quebec.

DFO conducted its own review of TransCanada's work and improved it, based on strict conditions. I remain confident in the diligence and the expertise of DFO scientists, and as this is legal matter, I have nothing more to add.

[Fisheries and Oceans, September 23rd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we recognize the importance of the recreational cod fishery to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. That is why we reopened the fishery in 2007. I do understand that poor weather has impacted the start of the fall period of this year's fishery.

After having spoken to several people from Newfoundland and Labrador, and out of concern for the safety of others, I have directed DFO to extend the season until October 1.

[Canadian Heritage, September 22nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the discovery of one of Franklin's ships is truly a historic moment. I want to take this opportunity to thank the commanding officer and the crew of the Canadian Coast Guard ship, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and the Canadian Hydrographic Service, for their valuable logistical and scientific contributions.

I am very proud of the work that our government is doing in the Arctic, from icebreaking to pollution response, to search and rescue, to scientific research. This work is crucial to fostering economic and social development in the north and ensuring environmental protection of this pristine part of our country.

We are committed to strengthening Canada's north, and that is why we continue to make record investments in the Canadian Coast Guard.

[The Environment, September 16th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, TransCanada has not yet submitted the construction of the marine terminal in Cacouna for review to the National Energy Board.

Our government has been clear that projects will only move forward if they are safe for Canadians and if they are safe for the environment. At this stage, the only work being conducted in this area is very exploratory in nature. It has been carefully reviewed by DFO experts and it has been authorized contingent on strict conditions.

[Questions on the Order Paper, September 15th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, as the port citations were only just issued in May of this year, the Government of Canada has not yet been informed of the outcome by the vessels’ home countries.

[Questions on the Order Paper, September 15th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the potential impact of seismic testing on fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, and sea turtles has been an area of study for many years. Researchers within Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as others within Canada and internationally, have conducted numerous studies, ranging from laboratory-scale experiments looking at effects on the physiology, behaviour, and survivorship of individual animals up to large-scale field studies looking at changes in fish stocks and fish catches before, during, and after seismic surveys. This includes research reports, summaries of broad syntheses, environmental impact statements, and the Canadian Statement of Practice, which guides the applications of seismic surveys. Most of these studies are applicable to all locations. In addition, there have been some reports produced on the specific areas mentioned:

With regard to (a), in the Gulf of St. Lawrence there have been reports produced on potential impacts of seismic testing as part of DFO’s review of proposed development projects.

With regard to (b), in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador there have been reports produced as part of the review of developments proposals, and also some reports on research conducted on lobster, crabs, and fish in local waters.