I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 62 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
The 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.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either floor, English or French. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
Please address all comments through the chair.
Screenshots and taking photos of your screen are not permitted.
The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
Finally, this is a reminder to all that the use of a House-approved headset is mandatory for remote participation in parliamentary proceedings.
In accordance with the committee's routine motion concerning connection tests for witnesses, I am informing the committee that all witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on January 18, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of the ecosystem impacts and management of pinniped populations.
I would like to welcome our first panel of witnesses. We have Morley Knight, former assistant deputy minister, fisheries policy, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, who is appearing in person as an individual. We have Mélanie Lemire, associate professor, Université Laval, by video conference. She is representing the Collectif Manger notre Saint-Laurent. We have Colombe Saint-Pierre, chef-owner, Restaurant Chez Saint-Pierre, by video conference. We have Mr. Bill Penney, business developer, representing Mi'kmaq Commercial Fisheries Inc.
Thanks for taking the time to appear today. You will each have up to five minutes for your opening statement, and I will invite Mr. Knight to start off, please.