Madam Chair, I hope this one can go through, especially proposed subsections 43.3(3) and (4).
The setting of new marine biodiversity areas being by regulations in proposed section 43.3 is a good thing, and the minister will be able to impose fisheries closures to protect the marine environment, which is also a good thing. Other governments want fisheries closures for their MPAs, like the Province of B.C. and also indigenous MPAs. There are first nations on the Pacific coast that have declared their own areas and want commercial fishing out. This amendment would allow for that. It would also amend the bill to specify that provincial and indigenous governments may request the imposition of long-term fisheries closures. It creates a duty for the minister to respond to such requests within a specified time, and provides reasons for his or her decision.
I so move this amendment.