I think really what I'm hearing is that the government says they're listening to local knowledge; they're letting local knowledge guide their decision-making when it comes to fisheries management.
I'm from the west coast. Just two days ago the minister wrote an op-ed about herring on the west coast. It's about British Columbia, but it should be related to all fisheries. He said:
British Columbians expect science-based decision-making to inform our fisheries management. Our government is investing in science so that we can leverage new research, and refine and improve our approach to fisheries management. Through consultation, we continue to meet with Indigenous groups, fish harvesters and the public almost every day to better understand their perspectives.
Do you believe this is happening? Do you believe they're consulting you in a meaningful way? If not, what do you suggest would be best practices in moving forward?
I'll open it up, because where I come from, the meaningful part isn't there. The true consultation isn't there. In terms of the indigenous and local knowledge they say is the fundamental principle guiding fisheries-related decisions, we don't find it's there. It's often directives from Ottawa, and often under-resourced. We don't see enough boots on the ground, certainly where I come from.
Sorry, Ms. Norton, you wanted to speak to that.