Thank you, Mr. Chair. Then I won't be sharing my time with Mr. MacAulay.
I just want to say a very special thank you, Mayor, to you and to all those who have given us such a hearty and sincere welcome to the Magdalen Islands. This is my second trip. I have to report to you that while I would love to be able to say to you that Mr. Blais is not representing the needs and interests of the island, that he has been very ineffective at promoting your concerns, I unfortunately have to report that that would not be the truth or the case. He has gotten this committee back on several occasions to be able to talk about fisheries issues that are very important to you, and he's been a very strong voice for you.
The Magdalen Islands represent to the fisheries committee a unique model to study the impacts of natural resource industries in a unique way, in the sense that you are, by virtue of the island status, a test tube. Coming from Newfoundland and Labrador, I appreciate it because it does provide us with an analysis of what happens to a community when there is an economic downturn as a result of circumstances beyond your immediate control--the global economic financial crisis, reduction in prices.
What would be the impact if there were a 30% downturn in the lobster and crab fisheries? We'll stick with lobster for now. What would be the consequence in terms of employment and economic activity? As an economic development council and as a municipality, what is it you need to be able to overcome those serious issues and constraints?