Thank you, Chair.
Minister, I was pleased to hear you make several comments in response to earlier questions. Paraphrasing you a bit, you stated you'd never do anything to harm the overall fishery. You assured that harvesters are not left out. You heard their concerns. You don't want them to be left out in the process.
Some are trying to paint you, Minister, and your ministry as not hearing the concerns from the commercial industry, and that the government's only focused in one direction. Could you comment on your role as the minister and what steps you are taking to ensure that the interests of this very valuable commercial fishery are protected in maritime Canada in particular, in Atlantic Canada? I believe you may have alluded to it earlier, but I want you to have the opportunity to be clear and on the record so that there's no misunderstanding of your position that you have to adjudicate and protect both sides in this discussion.