Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Ms. d'Auray, let me take this opportunity to thank you for your fine cooperation for all the time that you have been in this position.
Welcome to Ms. Dansereau and to these gentlemen.
In her presentation, the minister mentioned something about Employment Insurance to which I have to object. Five additional weeks are being added to the end of a period of Employment Insurance for the workers, the fishers and those in the plants that depend on the fishery, but these people do not benefit at all.
When the Employment Insurance period starts, the fishers have accumulated some small savings so that they can do their work, but they have to use it waiting for benefits because of the two-week waiting period. We asked for the two-week waiting period to be eliminated so that the fishers can put some savings aside in order to maintain their standard of living. I am not even asking the question, because you cannot answer it. But I see the situation as deplorable.
On another matter, the Coast Guard is apparently receiving $25 million to make up for the rise in the price of petroleum products. Those costs are now dropping significantly. Is the Coast Guard going to keep this money for other activities, or, if there is a surplus, does it have to return the money to the public purse?