Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, folks, for coming today.
Sir, I'd like to have your answers short and succinct, if at all possible, because we don't have much time to ask them.
Sir, you said, and I quote, “Canada takes scientific advice seriously”, yet recently the Government of Canada voted for an increased TAC on cod. The NAFO Scientific Council recommended a TAC of 4,125 metric tonnes. Despite this, a TAC of 5,500 tonnes was established. The United States had already voted against it, but Canada voted for it.
Secondly, redfish was increased from 8,500 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes, and the TAC for 3NLO skate was reduced from 13,500 to 12,000. The Scientific Council had recommended a TAC of 6,000 tonnes.
Sir, you said you take scientific issues seriously, but when the NAFO Scientific Council makes serious recommendations, why is Canada...? And what, may I ask, are the names of the people who voted for those TACs that allowed this to happen? Could I have the names of the people who voted for that? Why did Canada allow the increased TAC when I consistently hear from yourself and the minister that conservation is what drives us every day when we wake up?
Could I have a very quick answer on that, please?