Gentlemen, welcome to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
I want to say that even though there are no representatives from Quebec at this table, they are still here to a certain extent. We are representatives of Quebec here in Ottawa. I am fully aware that the Oceans Act is a contentious issue. In theory, that is why representatives from Quebec cannot be here today to appear before the committee. However, I think they stand in solidarity with you today.
Accordingly, I would say that the people of Quebec want adjustments made to the plan that has just been announced to help the lobster industry. This plan should not be implemented across the board, but only in certain places that have had a lot of difficulty. In Quebec, rationalization efforts have been made with respect to conservation. Those efforts need to be recognized and rewarded.
Now, I would like to use this opportunity to talk about another issue that concerns you and that certainly concerns the people in this room today. We also have members of a delegation of cod fishermen from Quebec and New Brunswick here today. They want to know your opinion on the recent announcement regarding the lobster industry.
We saw that it took time before an assistance plan was finally announced. There is a moratorium on cod fishing in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. We will not necessarily go into all the details of the dispute over the assessments. But in terms of the impact, the loss of income is devastating for these people.
How are you responding to the situation in New Brunswick, Minister? No doubt, you are concerned by this issue. I found it unthinkable to announce a moratorium without introducing an assistance plan. We help people—and that is perfectly normal—who are going through hard times. When you cut off their resources, the most responsible and respectable thing to do is to introduce an assistance plan. What do you think?