I feel it's very important that this is taken seriously and that a determination is made on it. It is about not only his parliamentary privilege but also the privilege of every one of us at this table. If we're not getting accurate, forthright and honest information when questions are asked, it's hard to make good decisions, do accurate reports and put together recommendations, especially when a minister is speaking about something. That carries weight, especially in the determination of what kind of report will come back and what recommendations will be given.
We have to ensure that the feedback being given by the minister is accurate, honest and forthright and that it does not mislead the people most affected by these decisions, nor the members of Parliament around this table. I appreciate any consideration that the clerk, the team and the chair can give to this matter.
We can certainly find out about this. To me, it's very apparent, based on the feedback we got directly from stakeholders.... You would think that any minister who is doing their job seriously and is concerned about the future of the fishery in that region would be communicating and consulting with the very groups named by Mr. Perkins. If not, there's something severely lacking, because they are the ones who represent the people whose livelihoods will be directly impacted by the action or inaction of a particular minister.
I really think the committee deserves a clear answer on this. Canadians deserve a clear answer on this.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.