Evidence of meeting #10 for Fisheries and Oceans in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was licence.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Serge Cormier Liberal Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Okay.
Mr. Malec, do you see that in your communities? Do the different groups work well together?
October 30th, 2025 / 9:35 a.m.
Director, Economic Development, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
Yes, we’ve worked with various associations for many years. We’ve always had a positive relationship and have co-existed harmoniously with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, fisheries officers and fishers.
As a community, our foremost priority is collaboration on marine safety and resource conservation. Nevertheless, we have two collaborative visions.
Liberal
Serge Cormier Liberal Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Mr. Vigneault and Mr. Malec, you said that when the time to issue licences came, there were a number of meetings with committees and probably with officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Did commercial or non-indigenous fishers attend these meetings with you?
Director, Economic Development, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
Yes, often. We definitely had meetings between communities and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to discuss strategy and quotas. The work took place over many years.
There’s excellent collaboration between crab, lobster and scallop fishers. We support each other. This mutual support and friendship are a lived reality on the Côte‑Nord.
Liberal
Serge Cormier Liberal Acadie—Bathurst, NB
I see.
Mr. Vigneault, there are conflicts with different groups in other places. I’m well aware that when these conflicts involve treaty rights, the argument is always that the government ought to have nation-to-nation discussions about these agreements.
We get that, but I think that most people understand how these decisions were made and they understand that it’s important to respect the decision-making process behind that. However, people can all sit down together as indigenous and non-indigenous people when conflicts drag on for various reasons. Would you not agree that this would provide a better way to resolve issues and a better understanding of individual groups?
Director, Economic Development, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
As you said, we had a series of meetings. Keep in mind that we’ve only been involved in commercial fishing for 25 years as a result of the Marshall and Sparrow decisions. We were spectators before that, before cod fishing and the extinction of cod. There were no jobs.
At present, community members within the Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht, or AMIK, have created 400 to 450 direct jobs, 85% of which are occupied by indigenous people and 15% by non-indigenous people. However, expert skills are needed, and we have to look for that—
Liberal
Serge Cormier Liberal Acadie—Bathurst, NB
I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I only have a minute of speaking time left. That being said, I appreciate your comments, Mr. Malec.
Mr. Malec, do you think the process of issuing licences was properly followed? Please give a yes or no answer.
Director, Economic Development, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
Yes, and we’re very grateful to the officials as they did an excellent job. We’d like to thank Ms. Lebouthillier for working with us effectively, and fishers as well. Thank you for the ongoing efforts to catch up economically.
Liberal
Director, Shipek Fisheries, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
For sure. That’s a strong yes from me.
Liberal
Serge Cormier Liberal Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Were you contacted by members of the committee prior to today’s meeting?
Director, Shipek Fisheries, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
The honourable member sent us emails to try and ensure we did not take part in this meeting. That was Mr. Alexis Deschênes.
Liberal
Director, Shipek Fisheries, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
He sent us a message indicating that we should submit a brief instead. He said we were not required to participate in this meeting, but we really wanted to participate to present our point of view.
Liberal
Serge Cormier Liberal Acadie—Bathurst, NB
Okay.
Did you watch earlier testimony from our committee meetings [Technical difficulty—Editor]?
Director, Shipek Fisheries, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
I didn’t watch all of it because my family is dealing with some medical issues.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Patrick Weiler
Mr. Cormier, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but your time is up. We have to move to our last member.
Mr. Deschênes, you have the floor for six minutes.
Bloc
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Malec and Mr. Vigneault, thank you for being here.
Mr. Malec, I noticed that you did not finish your opening remarks. I’ll give you time to do so, but first, I’d like to clarify some of the things that have just been said, to retrace history, so to speak.
After the first committee meetings, we had a meeting with you, members of AMIK and me. Is that correct?
Director, Shipek Fisheries, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
Yes, that’s correct.
Bloc
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC
Okay.
During that meeting, I suggested you provide a written submission, but I also said that I’d make representations for you to come and testify before the committee in person. Is that correct?
Director, Shipek Fisheries, Agence Mamu Innu Kakussesht
Yes, but you said that this would probably not be accepted. However, we demanded to be heard.
Bloc
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC
Yes.
You know that I’m the one who asked for more time for you to provide evidence and it was during debate in this committee, with support from the Conservatives, that we managed to get more time to hear you.