Mr. MacAulay, we feel that a rationalization program is very important. It allows the older fishermen to retire with a bit of dignity. With the circumstances and financial situation now, there aren't many young people looking to get into the fishery. By having a licence buyout program, it leaves the remaining fishermen to become more profitable, which allows the rural communities to continue to exist and the processing plants to remain with the workers.
We're in the process of trying to draw something up. I fully expect that fishermen are prepared to help out, but we also need federal help and provincial help in coming up with funds to buy out fishermen who want to exit the fishery.
It's very important for the economic viability of the people who are left. It's one way for it to stay healthy. There are people right now who are wanting to retire, but there's nobody to take their licence. Basically, a young person today can't get financing to purchase a licence.