I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 134 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. This meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders.
Before we proceed, I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. Please address all comments through the chair.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the committee is resuming its study of the Fisheries Act review.
I'd like to welcome our witnesses on the first panel. On Zoom we have Nikki Skuce, the director of Northern Confluence, and Claire Canet, project manager for the Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie.
Thanks for taking the time to appear today. You will each have five minutes or less for your opening statement.
Ms. Skuce, you have the floor for the first five minutes.