One other message I would like to see come out of this is that this is a group of commercial fishers from across the country. There are people among us who aren't in commercial fishing, but for the most part we represent the commercial fishing industry from coast to coast and across the prairies. This body should be used as an advisory body any time you're considering changes that have anything to do with any fishery right across the country. If we're used in that capacity we'll be better equipped to deal with the changes that are made in the fisheries across the country. We wouldn't be blindsided by some of the things such as the derelict vessels and the rest of it if we were considered a consultative body when you're making decisions that affect the fisheries.
On November 26th, 2009. See this statement in context.