Fisheries committee  Thank you very much for that question. Although it is at arm's length from the department, the FFMC is certainly an organization the minister is very interested in. In fact he visited provinces and some of the stakeholders, and I think the debate that comes up every so often, an

Fisheries committee  I believe you are right as far as this worry is concerned, but I think that over the last two years, we truly have worked as a team with Foreign Affairs Canada and the other departments, as well as with the missions abroad, and the provincial and territorial representatives. I th

Fisheries committee  I also believe that the pressures brought to bear by this committee and its impatience are very important and very encouraging for us.

Fisheries committee  It might be worthwhile to the committee, Mr. Chair, if we actually gave an overview of all the science facilities, which would then give you the ability to see what's happening nationwide in the various facilities, as opposed to a snapshot of PBS. I think that would give the whol

Fisheries committee  In terms of the specific West Arichat issue that's been raised, we will come back with a response to where it's at.

Fisheries committee  In terms of the numbers that were mentioned, those are for infrastructure improvements to those facilities. That's why they stand out. In terms of where we're at in that process in Nanaimo, I'll ask Wendy to answer that question and then ask Cal to talk about numbers.

Fisheries committee  I'll ask Wendy to start, and we actually have an aquaculture person in the room as well. I don't know whether Mark has more information. We are working with the industry on other elements of development, but I'm not aware that we're engaged in that one. In fact, I wasn't aware of

Fisheries committee  On the seal question, is there anything you want to say?

Fisheries committee  If I might just add to that, it's definitely environmental groups as well. Rick Hansen himself, in terms of the concerns about the Fraser River, has expressed a real concern about the impact of seals on salmon in the river and all that. So it is something that does require some a

Fisheries committee  We can certainly talk to the WTO, and International Trade is involved for sure in the dialogue that's happening as we speak. But in terms of that specific question, I'm not sure. Michaela, do you want to take that one on? I suspect we'll have to get back to you in relation to

Fisheries committee  Thanks very much for those questions. Mr. Stringer may want to say something about the first and third ones, but we'll work with the clerk to ensure that you get.... There's no reason why the committee can't have timely information available on the release of fish plans. I would

Fisheries committee  The whole issue of volunteers and how important they are to this department is huge. We don't do enough, but we try. It is appropriate to mention the National Harbour Authority Advisory Committee volunteers, who this committee saw--about 5,000 of them do great work. We try to sup

Fisheries committee  That's correct. We share your view on how to move money out of some of these things. It's a bit of a challenge, and as part of our various review processes we'll be trying to work on some of that. The recreational licence scenario on the west coast around stamps for the Pacific

Fisheries committee  There is indeed a great deal of energy going into this issue. I'd be remiss if I didn't pass on the minister's thanks to this committee for the focus you've put on it and the personal time and attention you've paid to it. That has made a difference with the European parliamentari

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I would like to provide a written response, if we could, because it's a really good question. It is an area of some concern and controversy, and in fact we do put a fair amount of effort into this. And we work closely with the province as well. But it is an area that i