Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and I'll be sharing my time with Mr. Morrissey.
Minister, thank you so much for being here, and to your officials, as well, for joining us today. It's always a pleasure to have you at our committee.
I'd like to start by touching on one aspect that you mentioned in your presentation regarding small craft harbours. You're absolutely right to mention the impact that seafood exports, in particular, have on coastal communities in Atlantic Canada, where I'm from, and most particularly, the lobster landings that happen that happen in southwestern Nova Scotia, for example. Those are critical to the local economy. They're basically the backbone of the entire region's economic growth.
We know that climate change is happening, that there are severe effects that can be seen at the wharves when you've got more intense storms. We know that it means that more dredging has to happen. We know, as well, that the growth of the lobster industry is fuelling more people wanting to get into the industry and also having larger vessels, which is creating congestion at many of our small craft harbours. Catches are up, the price is high because of the trade deals that are now in effect, but there are some safety issues. Small craft harbours have to be a very important part of your department's outlook for the future.
I know investments have been made. Our committee made a recommendation that there needs to be a significant increase in the A-base portion of the funding so that planning can happen by your department.
I wonder if you can comment on the importance of small craft harbours, the investments we've made and what you see for the future?