Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to the witnesses for appearing today. I appreciate your taking the time and coming.
I know it has been referenced, but we must reference yet again that there is someone missing at this table today who should be here. That is the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, who should be answering at this time of crisis to many who have been affected by the dwindling shrimp stocks. Their livelihoods are at risk.
This has been identified as an area of potential revenue generation for those who have been affected, as well as others who perhaps are in the coastal communities and are being affected as well. Throughout the region, it affects no less than five provinces directly.
I would like to know and get a sense of this from you today. Whereas we know that the most valuable stakeholders—and I believe where some of the most valuable input can come from—are those whose livelihoods depend most upon the fishery. There are no greater protectors and stewards of the future stocks in our oceans off our coast here in Canada than those whose very communities and the livelihoods of generations of families have depended upon the fruits of the sea for their livelihood.
I think the input, if I'm not mistaken, that's been coming from the harvesters and those coastal communities has been pretty overwhelming as it relates to opening up the fishery and expanding the amount of quota that can be given as it relates to redfish. I think what they're saying is, “Let's get on with it, and let's make this expansive and meaningful”, so that it can become a way of helping them make ends meet at the end of the day.
How much consultation has the minister herself done with the harvesters and the coastal communities in a meaningful way, and how much has she listened to the provincial ministers of fisheries, who are very close to the situation and are certainly aware of the challenges they are facing? Can you provide us a little bit of insight on that, Mr. Burns?