Thank you, Mr. Chair, and congratulations on being elected chair.
Mr. Chair, I move:
That the committee undertake a comprehensive study of pinnipeds that would examine the ecosystem impacts of pinniped overpopulation in the waters of Quebec, Eastern and Western Canada, international experience in pinniped stock management, the domestic and international market potential for various pinniped products, social acceptability, and the sociocultural importance of developing active management of predation for coastal and First Nations communities with access to the resource; That the committee invite witness appearances including Indigenous organizations, scientific experts, DFO officials and experts and officials from countries such as Scotland, Norway and Iceland that have conserved and rebuilt fish stocks by balancing pinniped populations; That the committee allot no fewer than eight two-hour meetings to receive said testimony; That the committee also accept written briefs from individuals or organizations who wish to submit input; and That the committee submit its findings with recommendations in a report to the House.
Thank you.