Allow me to point out, in part, what did work. For example, I well remember that when I got involved in this issue, in the beginning, people in Europe were saying that the resource was threatened, that the harp seal was a resource that was on the verge of disappearing. Just last year, there was talk of climate change.
However, thanks to our interventions — those of the members of this Committee —, I note that the abolitionists are no longer saying that this resource is in danger. We have done work together and, fortunately, the seal hunt file is one on which we are unanimous in our action, which is rather rare, especially these days. It has been a success, because this was part of the propaganda campaign: the resource was in danger, it was a massacre and the industry meant nothing to the communities. There is no more talk now about the resource being in danger, at least not as much, even in official statements. That helps; we have moved forward in this area. This means that everything that was done was not in vain. There have been concrete results.
However, as for the idea of a massacre and the economic viability of the communities, we unfortunately must recognize that it has been a failure. This is why I say that it would be appropriate and opportune, just as it is for the lobster fishery, to take the bull by the horns, if I may use that expression, and take the time to do a post-mortem with all of the stakeholders. An action plan might eventually flow from all of that. As you are aware, I have already put forward a few ideas in this regard and I have not finished; there will be more to come. The people who are getting in touch with me these days are providing me with very bright ideas. It is not ideas that are lacking.
What happened in Europe has, so to speak, awakened people. Do you agree with me on the idea of carrying out a post-mortem, in order for an action plan to eventually come out of this? What actions do you plan on taking, as minister of Fisheries and Oceans, in order to ensure that this take place?