Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First of all, I would like to welcome you to our part of the country. I would also like to welcome all those in attendance here, as well as indicate that, only a few minutes ago, we had the opportunity to meet with Maxime Arseneau, the MNA for Îles-de-la-Madeleine and official opposition critic for fisheries in Quebec's National Assembly.
I want to indicate that the seal hunt in the Magdalen Islands is of vital importance to islanders, for a number of reasons. Simply put, it is a matter of dignity, respect and heritage, and not only a matter of selling seal pelts.
The committee is made up of members from British Columbia, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and elsewhere in Canada, and they all agree on that point. I consider the committee as an ally in the battle we are currently waging. In my view, the second major battle is getting underway. Unfortunately, we lost the first one for all sorts of reasons. We cannot repeat the same mistakes, i.e., to take lightly what is currently happening. That is why the committee is dealing with the issue and will present its recommendations so that the Canadian government, the Canadian Parliament, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and all other departments can cooperate on fighting this second major battle.
We intend to take up this major challenge, because we are facing off against people using demagogic rhetoric and disinformation and appealing to people's emotions. This is not an easy situation. However, I know full well that the people here have seen all kinds of things. I am originally from the Gaspé and I know very well that we have learned things the hard way. And yet, today, we are rolling up our sleeves to take up the challenge.
In my view, committee members are allies, and I will do everything in my power to keep them on side. I will also see that we can make recommendations that force—if need be—the government to deal with the issue and assist us in the fight we are currently waging.
With that, I would like to thank the committee members for coming to the Magdalen Islands, and I hope we can have some good discussions.