Thank you, Minister.
We all agree on conservation, but I would hope that we around the table also agree that community members throughout Atlantic Canada deserve to know what the rules are and that they'll be applied. There's been a complete vacuum on this issue. Our communities are calling out for leadership on it.
Minister, you said the RCMP has a job to do. I would say that you, Minister, and your department have a job to do. That is to regulate the fisheries throughout Atlantic Canada. What I've heard so far has not been encouraging.
Mr. Morrissey mentioned that you'd been minister for a year, but your government has been in government for the last five years. This episode has been allowed to fester over the last little while. We've watched it unfold. It's extremely important for the future, not just for the conservation that I think we can all agree on, but also for the sustainability of our communities and our fisheries.
I think the fishermen in my riding would like to hear a stronger statement from you, Minister, that their livelihood and their ability to earn a living is going to be protected as we move forward.