Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning and welcome.
Minister, I've already said this publicly—and I am repeating it again today—that you've made some good decisions in recent months about the seal file. Your stay in China was very much appreciated, as is your commitment to this file.
However, it is unfortunate to see that, in another matter concerning a species of seal, the grey seal, the story is completely different. I don't know how many years I've had occasion to talk to you about this. I have had occasion to speak to you about grey seals a number of times, and you had made some commitments. Even your predecessor, Loyola Hearn, did the same thing.
However, this is December 2010—it will soon be 2011—and nothing specific has been announced. The only decision that was announced was in June 2009, when you said in a press release that there had been "direction by the minister to the department to ensure the targeted removal of grey seals." That was in June 2009. You added in that same press release that it was by taking those steps at that time that you would be able to achieve results. That was in June 2009; this is December 2010; it will soon be 2011; and absolutely nothing has been done about the grey seals. You know perfectly well that grey seals are still living off resources, all kinds of resources, not just what's left of the cod, but also crab and lobster. The testimony has been eloquent on that point.
I don't want to accuse you of poor management, but I'm obliged to do so in this case. I would like to hear what you have to say about this file in particular.