Fisheries Committee on Jan. 20th, 2022

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

Okay.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

When you're ready, Tina, please go ahead.

[The Clerk]

Again, I apologize for the confusion.

This is on the motion of Mr. Perkins.

(Motion agreed to: yeas 9; nays 2 [See Minutes of Proceedings])

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Now we'll go to Madame Desbiens.

[Caroline Desbiens, Bloc, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

I move:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the Small Craft Harbours program, particularly its findings regarding the divestiture of wharves; that the committee invite the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, experts, government officials and industry stakeholders to discuss this issue, and that the committee hold at least four (4) meetings to do so; that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Thank you, Madame Desbiens.

We've all heard the motion. Is there discussion?

Go ahead, Mr. Cormier.

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

Mrs. Desbiens, first of all, thank you for bringing forward this motion that deals with small craft harbours.

That said, I'd like to give a little more context.

If memory serves me correctly, the committee conducted a study on small craft harbours under the former Parliament. I understand very well that this is important to you. We certainly agree that we should study the matter, because there are good things to be said about small craft harbours.

I just wanted to let you know that the committee had already done a study on this. However, it would certainly be interesting to see if there is anything else to add. There was a study carried out in 2018 or 2019. I was not on the committee at that time, but I have read the result of that study, as I am interested in this topic.

[Caroline Desbiens, Bloc, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

May I reply, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Yes, Madame Desbiens.

[Caroline Desbiens, Bloc, Beauport—Côte-de-Beaupré—Île d’Orléans—Charlevoix, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Cormier, I am very aware that the government has made investments. Also, I know that the government has responded to the study that you are talking about.

My objective is to assess the results, to see where we are and what remains to be done. There have been some unfortunate incidents recently. We want the government to go further. I do not want to present the conclusions of that study, as my objective is simply to propose that the committee assess the results of the government's investments and what remains to be done. I see this as an update.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Thank you for that.

Is there any further discussion?

Go ahead, Mr. Perkins.

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

I just want to say that I support this motion. I do understand that there have been previous reports. There is great disappointment that the government hasn't actually acted on them, from what I can see. I think it is time to focus once again. I think the last report was in 2019, perhaps.

Anyway, I support the motion.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Thank you, Mr. Perkins.

Could I see thumbs-up or thumbs-down?

I see thumbs-up on all sides. Is there any dissent?

(Motion agreed to on division)

Mr. Perkins, it's back to you.

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

It's not a procedural one, so hopefully it will have more support. I live in fear of the chair commenting on my age or some sort of thing.

I gave notice of motion on December 14 for this motion:

That the Committee undertake a study examining systems and requirements pertaining to at-sea safety of commercial harvesters including Transport Canada regulations related to vessel design, safety requirements and seaworthiness; and

examining federal commercial training courses and licensing requirements of mariners before going to sea and upgrading of skills as required; and

examining the Canadian Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities and response rates; and

that the committee allot no fewer than [six] two-hour meetings to receive said testimony; and

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.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Thank you, Mr. Perkins.

We've heard the text of the motion.

Tina, I don't know if the change from eight hours to six hours has to be voted on as an amendment. I will ask for your clarification on that.

[The Clerk]

No, it does not. The committee is good with that. I'll just make the change.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Okay, I just wanted to be sure. I didn't want to run into trouble down the road.

Go ahead, Mr. Zimmer.

[Bob Zimmer, Conservative, Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies, BC]

I want to speak to this motion.

It is particularly important to pursue this study for the safety of our fishing community, so I support it.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Thank you.

Go ahead, Mr. Morrissey.

[Bobby Morrissey, Liberal, Egmont, PE]

It is a very good motion, but then again, we've now done two motions, one of them from the Bloc. Is there no interest in those motions in having the government bound to prepare a report and report back?

This is a good item to study, Mr. Perkins. A lot has changed over the past number of years on this issue. It overlaps with different ministries, and there are a lot of what I'll call “backyard modifications” occurring within fishing boats—

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

I'd be open to an amendment, it you want to make one. I'm sorry; I probably missed that when I drafted it.

[Bobby Morrissey, Liberal, Egmont, PE]

If it's appropriate, I will. On this one, I feel very strongly that the government should report back to the House so that we have a report and we know what we're doing.

I would make that amendment, Mr. Perkins, to your very good motion.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Are you presenting an amendment that there be an official government response?

[Bobby Morrissey, Liberal, Egmont, PE]

I think that's the only way we can actually get an official response. Am I correct, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Yes.