Thank you, Chair.
Again, I would like the clerk to clarify this. I have sat on multiple committees. I have never seen a motion such as this where a member makes certain members of the committee undertake something with certain ministers and to report back.
I would be agreeable—I can't speak for all—if the committee chose to send a letter to the minister, an urgent request to the minister, confirming the position Mr. Beech outlined, which was stated in question period. There's no question on the legality of tubbing for this coming season. Doing this would be very helpful to everybody involved, including the fishers. That would be the most helpful aspect.
I'd be curious to hear where the committee came.... Then we would proceed with the committee, as it is scheduled, to hear how DFO officials arrived at the position they're taking. Then we would follow up to ensure that, whatever action is taken, it does not impede the long-held practice of that fishery. That would be more than official.
Again, the motion clearly does not appear to be in order. In my opinion—and I don't want to aggravate everybody—this was simply window dressing at the last minute to pretend somebody wanted to move quickly. If we want to confirm and follow through as a committee to get, clearly and unequivocally, the position of the minister and DFO with regard to tubbing, this committee could send that request for clarification to the minister by email or letter and get that clarification for the fishers on the west coast, which I assume would be very helpful to them.
Thank you, Chair.