Thank you, Minister Hearn, and your staff, for coming today.
This is regarding the international call by some countries for more time on the high seas for dragging. Your presentation says: “Canada, like many other responsible nations...”.
Now, sir, you indicated when you were in opposition.... I remember your vicious attack on the government and your concerns over the countries of Spain, Portugal, and Russia in their fishing habits when it came to the nose and tail and the Flemish Cap and other areas. You were quite vicious in that regard.
Now we have Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States calling for the supporting of the UN moratorium on high seas dragging. Are you saying those countries are not responsible? And yet Spain, Portugal and Russia, countries.... I remind you, sir, of the Olga incident, which happened in your home province. You were quite—and rightfully so—concerned about the Olga and everything else. I'm wondering, sir, how you can justify Canada's position in not supporting a UN moratorium call on high seas dragging.