Fisheries committee  No, because the office will focus exclusively on natural resources, whether it be hydroelectric, gas extraction or mining projects.

Fisheries committee  The complete initiative is for $175 million, which was announced earlier this year. The first component of the funds attributed to the department will be going towards the consultations and establishing the various working activities and working groups. We've actually begun a series of pretty in-depth technical consultations with a number of first nations and non-first nations fishers.

Fisheries committee  We have received additional funds for the oceans action plan, and we are moving ahead on a number of large ocean management areas—I'm still familiarizing myself with the acronyms of LOMAs—and marine protected areas. In fact, we are increasing the number we will be able to do during this fiscal year and the next years.

Fisheries committee  Certainly. That program was created last spring because the ice did not melt as quickly as expected. Funding has already been granted to qualifying fishers. I don't think we've spent the total amount. Ms. Huard could give you the figures on that subject. The amounts that have not been allocated to fishers will be returned to the fiscal framework.

Fisheries committee  No, it was established to address the exceptional situation that prevailed until June. The ice really prevented fishers from engaging in fishing activities.

Fisheries committee  Yes, it is primarily with regard to that.

Fisheries committee  Perhaps Ms. Huard can respond to that.

Fisheries committee  In terms of the specific question with regard to whether there are funds in the estimates to deal with that, currently, no. In terms of the work going forward, I would ask the commissioner to answer your question on that.

Fisheries committee  My understanding was that the committee liked very brief opening remarks so that you could get to the questioning. You have our full collaboration and cooperation to that end.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I think what we have is in fact a confirmation on the understanding of the necessity to make the additional or temporary funding now permanent, and we are working on the business case with regard to increasing the funding overall.

Fisheries committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon. Bonjour. I'm pleased to be here. It's my first chance to appear before this committee in my new role as Deputy Minister of Fisheries of Oceans. Before I go any further, I'd like to introduce my colleagues, most of whom are probably more familiar to you.