Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I don't think anyone would question anyone's integrity or capacity to defend the interests of their constituents. This business about the power of persuasion.... Of course I think sometimes we all need to be persuaded or it's useful to accept powerful persuasion simply by reminding people that this is a huge economic crisis facing the entire region of eastern Canada--Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I., and Newfoundland and Labrador. It's part of the discussion of this committee. It's not directed at any one individual or any group of individuals; it's just a reality. It's important, when we talk about this motion and these issues, that we use the power of persuasion to remind each other that these are the issues that impact deckhands and fishermen and communities and off-loaders and others.
I'm not sure if I originally understood that there was some concern about the extent to which the motion was prepared to go. I suggested, in good faith, a move to tone it down and simply use plain language to say that we will study the snow crab industry. If we could get together and decide whether or not this is an important issue to study, in a timely fashion, or it's not, should we include the language or should we not, I'd be prepared, if one of my colleagues were to go forward with an amendment, to listen to the amendment and vote accordingly, or the committee will do as it will. I know I'm very happy and very proud to say that I'm prepared to stand up for the crab fishermen, those who are impacted, and to say that we feel--and I think I'm joined by my colleagues here--this is an important study to undertake and that it should occur immediately.