Fisheries Committee on Dec. 2nd, 2022

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

First nations have a treaty right to fish, affirmed by the Supreme Court. Our government has never stopped working to implement that right.

Our approach is based on respect for conservation, reconciliation, and transparent and predictable management. We were able to sign a number of agreements last year with indigenous communities on the east coast. We have also been working with the indigenous communities to ensure compliance and enforcement on the waters.

I really appreciate in particular your work to help make sure that the lines of communication were open between the department and the indigenous communities. I want to credit you for the peace on the waters that we experienced this last season. We can always continue to do more, and we'll do just that.

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

Can you share, as much as you can, any other interesting items that may emerge from your conversation with NOAA? Can you dive a bit deeper on how it relates to supplementary estimates (B)?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

I already talked about the conversation around Atlantic mackerel. We coordinate our approach so that we don't have the reality or perception that the U.S. harvesters are harvesting Canadian or shared stocks while we're tied up at harbours because of conservation concerns.

The North Atlantic right whales and the Seafood Watch red listing were a high priority. I also spoke with Mr. Spinrad about some of the issues on the west coast, namely the Alaskan salmon and steelhead trout interception by the pollock fishery in Alaska, as well as the Pacific Salmon Commission and the Fraser River panel.

I know our B.C. members will be interested in hearing that we are also agreeing to have closer coordination. Dr. Spinrad has agreed to speak with the commissioners of the Pacific Salmon Commission on how we can avoid the disconnection between our precautionary approach and what we perceive to be the U.S.'s less precautionary approach in fishing salmon on the west coast this year.

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

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ken McDonald]

Thank you, Mr. Kelloway.

We'll now go back to your best friend, Mr. Arnold, for five minutes or less.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Minister, thank you for agreeing to answer directly and to provide a written response if it's not possible to answer at this time.

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

I'm happy to give you some numbers.

Expansion of the aquatic invasive species program is $37 million over five years starting in 2022-23. This is a hugely important initiative. We haven't got a breakdown here in terms of east and west. We'll provide that to you in writing.

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

Do you feel that it's fair that B.C. receives far less of the share of the total funding, yes or no?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

There should be equal allocation among DFO regions, and there is just that today.

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

Thank you for that.

In regard to the Pacific salmon strategic initiative, how many projects have been initiated under the conservation and stewardship pillar of PSSI since it was launched last year, and what is the total amount spent on those projects?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Well, it's in the dozens of projects. We have already utilized most of the first $140-million allocation for—

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

I look forward to that answer in writing, if you could. Thank you.

What is the status of the habitat restoration centre? Do you have a date for when it's going to be fully operational?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

We'll provide that in writing.

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

Thank you.

How much of the $35 million in PSSI funds budgeted last year and $176.7 million budgeted for this year have now been spent or allocated?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

The monies that are in supplementary estimates (B) are just getting that approval now, so they haven't been spent. Total expenditures for PSSI in year one was $15.4 million.

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

Okay. Thank you.

Could you please provide to the committee in writing a summary of the projects initiated in 2022 by DFO or funded partners for wild Pacific salmon?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Yes, I can do that.

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

Okay, thank you.

Minister, in May you stated that DFO was “conducting a study of beneficial ownership” of commercial licences in B.C. Will you provide the committee with this study?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

When the study's concluded, I will provide it to the committee.

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

Will that be in a timely manner or after it's been developed further within the department?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

When it's ready for public release, we'll provide it to the committee.

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

Okay. Thank you.

In B.C., will DFO proceed with allowing the unstacking or unmarrying of licences and loosening of licence length restrictions without first establishing an owner-operator policy, yes or no?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

We'll respond in writing to that question.

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

Thank you.

In May, you stated that Canada's fisheries are a “public property resource”. When asked who should be the beneficiaries of Canada's fisheries, you did not answer that question.

Who should be the beneficiaries of Canada's public fishery resources? Should it be Canadians and the communities they support?

[Joyce Murray, Liberal, Vancouver Quadra, BC]

Subject to conservation measures and concerns, yes, Canadians and their communities should be the beneficiaries of our resource.