Fisheries Committee on Dec. 4th, 2024

[Lisa Marie Barron, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Thank you, Minister.

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

It's a collaborative effort. We sit at the table to ensure that all aquatic species are respected and protected.

[Lisa Marie Barron, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

I appreciate the comments you are providing, but I'm wondering if you could answer the question specifically of whether the government will be approving the application of The Metals Company to mine the international seabed on June 27. I'd prefer it if this answer came from you, if possible.

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Solid regulations are in place. We won't ignore the regulations.

By the way, could the interpreters be asked to speak into the microphone? Otherwise, I can't hear them very well.

[Lisa Marie Barron, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

The problem is that there aren't clear regulations on this, so there is a lot of concern about moving forward with implementing mining in these seabeds.

Another question that's being asked is whether you'll be implementing an international moratorium on deep seabed mining at the International Seabed Authority. People across Canada are asking for some clarity on this. We know that there's a lot of good work happening around the world, but in Canada we need to make sure we are a leader to ensure this is not happening here.

[Annette Gibbons]

We are working in the context of the International Seabed Authority. Canada's position has been clear that we will not approve deep seabed mining until there is a clear regulatory framework in place.

[Lisa Marie Barron, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Thank you.

I want to move on to my next question. I would appreciate any further clarification in written form, so I can provide it to my constituents and to Canadians who are inquiring about this.

My other question is about the European green crabs that are invading B.C. waters. We're hearing from a lot of people who are very concerned about this. There's an article in The Narwhal that describes the impact of the European green crabs well, but I don't have time to quote it so I'm going to move on.

The B.C. salmon restoration and innovation fund is jointly funded by the province and the federal government. We know there are companies, such as the Coastal Restoration Society, doing essential work. Josh Charleson, its executive director, was here recently. They've been doing this work for four years. Some 780,000 crabs were cleaned up over just a short period of time in three indigenous bodies of water. My concern, though, is that despite the good work of organizations like Coastal Restoration Society, there's no funding left.

What's the plan to ensure that the invasive green crabs don't take over our marine ecosystems along the west coast?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

I understand your concern. I have the same concern about invasive species, such as the green crab found on both the west and east coasts. We also know that marine traffic is increasing. We must continue to work together.

I'm eager to continue this work with the provincial government's new fisheries minister. I've already been in contact with her. She must be informed about invasive species, such as the green crab, but also about other species. That way, we can move forward.

[Lisa Marie Barron, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Can they expect funding to be allocated again by the federal government?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Thank you, Ms. Barron. Your time has gone over.

We'll now go to Mr. Arnold for five minutes or less.

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Minister, I must take exception to some of your opening remarks. You blamed Conservatives for slowing Parliament's work. I will correct the record. Parliament has been slowed because of your government's refusal to produce the documents for the green slush fund.

Will you tell the Prime Minister to release the documents, yes or no?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

I'm here to talk about small craft harbours and harbours in your constituency. I'm here to talk about the Canadian Coast Guard and the money needed. I strongly encourage you to stop playing political games, to help protect the public—

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

That's not a yes or no answer, and you brought the question up.

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

—and to ensure that our coastal communities have access to key infrastructure for their areas.

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

That's not a yes or no answer. Thank you, Minister.

Minister, this committee unanimously voted to request your appearance for two hours for the review of the Fisheries Act. When will you be appearing for the Fisheries Act review?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

I didn't quite hear the interpretation.

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Do you not know?

[Rick Perkins, Conservative, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Do you have to look to your MPs for an answer about when you're going to appear?

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

On a point of order, Mr. Chair, clearly there's a delay in interpretation. I think all members should respect that. Let the minister hear the question and have it interpreted, and then she can respond. Jumping over her is not helping the interpreters either.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Mr. Cormier, you had your hand up.

[Serge Cormier, Liberal, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

It's on the same point of order, Mr. Chair. Even I sometimes use interpretation, and when people talk, we cannot hear the whole thing. I can imagine that the minister cannot hear either.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Okay. Is everything straight now?

[Diane Lebouthillier, Liberal, Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

I need to hear your questions properly so that I can give you the best possible answers.

[Mel Arnold, Conservative, North Okanagan—Shuswap, BC]

Before we resume time, with these interpretation devices, unless my microphone is turned off, I cannot hear interpretation coming through. We'll have to make sure we turn the microphones off when the minister is responding. That's why I couldn't hear the minister.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Okay, so you'll hear the answer in your earpiece if your mic is off.