We watched the habitat offices go from 63 across the country to 16. I think about 1,900 positions in DFO were lost across the board—not just habitat. We no longer have a habitat branch. There's fisheries protection but there's no habitat branch anymore. I have friends who are scientists, who are habitat managers and work with local groups and with proponents to restore fish habitat. When there's an authorization, how do we make sure that conservation groups.... I'm always amazed by the number of streamkeeper groups or restoration groups across this country, individuals and volunteers, that get involved in fish habitat protection and restoration. Nobody answers the phone at DFO, in many cases, anymore.
On November 21st, 2016. See this statement in context.