Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses.
Like my colleague Mr. McGuinty, I am surprised to hear what the Fisheries Council of Canada is proposing to us today.
First, you tell us that before we list a species on the endangered species list, the species should be the object of concern, it should be threatened, or facing extinction. Moreover, something struck me: we need a new governance model—I am using your words. Now it seems to me that this new governance model should be based on giving scientists greater independence. We have to trust science in our decision-making.
You told us at the same time that there has to be a kind of harmonization between the statements and indications of the COSEWIC and the recommendations of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. I am having trouble understanding how in the final analysis we can really protect the species.
I will give you an example. As compared to historical levels, the Atlantic cod stock has diminished by 99%. In addition to overfishing, this is due to oceanographical changes. Everything was done under the aegis of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. That said—the COSEWIC did not exist at the time—how can we better protect the species?
I would like to hear you on this, Ms. Gelfand, and you as well, Mr. McGuinness.