Thank you, Molly.
What may be some of the potential solutions to ensure that food sovereignty and food security are maintained?
Number one, declare Canadian seafood a critical resource. This designation will enhance current controls on concentration and foreign ownership.
Number two, lower the Competition Bureau trigger threshold for all seafood company acquisitions, domestic and foreign. Right now, only large acquisitions are investigated by the bureau.
Number three, make a concentrated effort to market seafood to Canadians, as we typically have one of the lowest seafood consumption rates in the world.
Number four, work with fishing organizations to develop licence retirement plans that will increase the viability of current and future independent owner-operators. This will also lead to an increased diversification of catches and operating efficiency.
Number five, re-evaluate the drive to be the top seafood exporter by volume. Focus more on value-added products.
Number six, exempt seafood-related products that enter and leave Prince Edward Island from Confederation Bridge tolls.
Canada is the envy of many countries in terms of our resources. Our plentiful fresh water supplies, clean oceans and ample food supplies are not easily duplicated.
Our current system is not problem-free, but we must look proactively down the road. Companies and countries are after our resources, and this pressure will only increase. As dead zones become larger in the oceans, the seafood that feeds the world will come from more concentrated areas.
The Government of Canada must make food sovereignty and food security a top priority. Once we lose control of our resources, it will not easily be regained, if at all.
Thank you very much.