Thank you very much.
I want to make sure that I fully understand the new motion tabled by Mr. Kamp. There are two or three points on which I need clarification.
Firstly, the motion seeks to give priority to bills. Under the committee's rules, when a bill is tabled in the House of Commons... For example, we dealt previously with Bill C-45, which became C-32, the new Fisheries Act. If the bill comes back to this committee for consideration, it is discussed in priority. I do not see the need to vote on a procedural motion that establishes a procedural rule already in effect. The practice could be strengthened by adding something that is already part and parcel of how we operate. I have a lot of trouble understanding this. I hope Mr. Kamp can provide me further details on that.
Next, subjects that are discussed in order of priority are done so by both the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, and by the plenary committee. Each time we hold these discussions, we always come to a consensus on priority topics. As you know, I have two or three topics that I would like to table, and you probably have some too. I, along with my party, have collaborated with you very well, as have the Liberals and New Democrats. This was especially the case when people from British Columbia wanted to talk about salmon in the Fraser River. I fully understood that it was important for them to talk about that. There were other issues pertaining specifically to Quebec that are of particular concern to me, and that I raised with members of the committee at the time. After a few years of discussion, we had the opportunity to deal with the small craft harbour issue again. That's how things work.
Given the current situation, there are new issues that are being given priority. What will the new fishing season be like, as it will begin in a few days, or a few weeks, and which has already begun in some parts of the country such as Nova Scotia?
The motion or amendment that has been tabled does absolutely nothing to change the current situation. It does not do anything more than tie our hands. I have a problem with that. Our committee, be it the whole committee, or the subcommittee, must enjoy total freedom. This total freedom should allow us to deal with things as they occur. I don't know what the next crisis faced by the fisheries sector in upcoming weeks or months will be. I hope that it won't be a huge crisis; however, without knowing what type of crisis it will be, I unfortunately have the feeling that there will be one. I hope that any crisis will force members of this committee to start talking.
I am open to Mr. Kamp's motion, but for now, I am very reluctant to support it. To my mind, it is not necessary for us to undertake future business.
Thank you.