I have a letter here that states that $39 million was set aside for the next two years, and this seems to be inadequate.
Based on your experience and your needs, how much should the minister have set aside for fisheries research at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans? The $39 million mentioned in the letter I have here, which was signed by Michelle James, seems to be inadequate for the next two years.
It becomes a little difficult for us, as members of Parliament, to pass the budget—and you are well aware of this—because we have the department's version, but we do not necessarily have all the information. However, at an upcoming meeting with senior officials, the deputy minister or the minister, we can certainly tell him h could get some more funding, because the needs do exist.