Welcome to meeting number 35 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
This meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022.
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 participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. There is interpretation. For those on Zoom, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. Please address all comments through the chair. Finally, I remind everyone that taking screenshots or photos of your screen is not permitted. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on January 20, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of the North Atlantic right whale. For the first hour and a half, we will hear from witnesses for this study. We will then use the last half-hour of the meeting for committee business in camera.
I would like to welcome our first panel of witnesses.
Representing the Fédération régionale acadienne des pêcheurs professionnels are Jean Lanteigne, director general; and Martin Noël, president of the Association des pêcheurs professionnels crabiers acadiens. Representing Fish, Food and Allied Workers-Unifor is Mr. Keith Sullivan, president. Finally, representing Grand Manan Fishermen's Association, is Bonnie Morse, project manager.
Thank you for taking the time to appear today. You will each have up to five minutes for an opening statement.
I will invite Mr. Lanteigne and Mr. Noël to begin.
When you're ready, please go ahead. You have five minutes or less.