Fisheries Committee on Nov. 25th, 2025

[Kathy Graham]

With respect to the marine protected areas that are identified, they're really driven by science in terms of identifying features in the ocean that merit particular protection. Often, some of the features that are being protected have a relationship with sustainable fisheries—spawning areas, as an example. As a result of that, we are observing a relationship between areas that are protected and the benefits that can arise for the fishing industry. The example that was provided was with respect to Eastport, around the lobster fishery.

[Bobby Morrissey, Liberal, Egmont, PE]

That is highly guarded by the fishers in the area as critical to the growth of the lobster fishery in that area, correct?

[Kathy Graham]

That is my understanding in terms of the feedback we've received from that industry.

[Bobby Morrissey, Liberal, Egmont, PE]

Leaving the impression that fishers are opposed to marine protected areas really does a disservice to the overall fishery and the fact that today fishers more than ever recognize the status quo in a host of areas can no longer be the modus operandi, or certain fisheries will be wiped out. Is that fair?

[Kathy Graham]

Our objective through the collaboration is really to understand and work with the fishing industry to set boundaries that make sense in terms of minimizing the economic impacts but in a way that allows us to advance the conservation objectives and protect the features of the marine protected area that merit that protection.

[Bobby Morrissey, Liberal, Egmont, PE]

There are only a few seconds left.

Thank you, Ms. Graham.

[The Chair, Liberal, Patrick Weiler]

Thank you very much, Mr. Morrissey.

We will now go to Mr. Deschênes for two and a half minutes.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

We have seen setbacks on the environment since the leadership of the Liberal Party changed. In two days, the government will announce the construction of a pipeline to the west coast, a step back on the carbon tax and a step back on incentives to buy vehicles.

What we are seeing today is this government's inability to meet its targets. Twenty-five per cent of the marine area was supposed to be protected by 2025, but we are not going to get there.

Ms. Graham, how do you explain this failure?

[Kathy Graham]

Our efforts to meet the 2025 interim target for the identification of areas of interest to be protected required a number of elements. First, it required a good understanding of the operating context in which we find ourselves in order to be able to collaborate, work and conduct the necessary consultation with stakeholders. It was also necessary to build trust with indigenous peoples, who are also often involved in consultations on protected areas.

As Mr. DeMarco mentioned, if the pace of consultations is too quick, that can sometimes affect trust. Sometimes, it is more important to take the time needed to ensure that collaboration and trust are established in order to obtain the support of the people involved when designating the location, the site.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

When was the decision made to back away from meeting the target that was set in the 2019 throne speech?

[Kathy Graham]

I am not aware of any target being abandoned.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

You just said that you had to take your time. You must have known, then, that you would not be able to meet your targets. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans at the time was ultimately responsible. When did you discuss the fact that you would not be able to make it and that you would rather take your time?

[Kathy Graham]

We have always made progress in our efforts to establish sites, as mentioned in the Auditor General's report. The progress we have made on site selection will position us to meet the 2030 targets.

[Alexis Deschênes, Bloc, Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC]

At what point did you abandon the 2025 target?

[Kathy Graham]

I cannot tell you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Patrick Weiler]

Thank you, Mr. Deschênes.

Next, we're going to Mr. Small for five minutes.

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

My questions are for Mr. Millar.

Is any of your framework for initiating national marine conservation areas built around the open standards for the practice of conservation?

[David Millar]

It's not, to my knowledge.

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

Okay, thank you.

You were talking earlier about the extensive consultation process that Parks Canada carries out with communities and industry stakeholders.

I'm sure you are well aware of the south coast fjords. Were you expecting a question on that today?

[David Millar]

I thought it was possible that it would be brought up, for sure.

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

Where's the largest population on the south coast of Newfoundland, other than the Burin Peninsula?

[David Millar]

I don't know the answer to that.

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

That would be Coast of Bays, Hermitage, Harbour Breton, St. Alban's and Seal Cove and the list goes on.

Why were they consulted last?

[David Millar]

Lori, do you want to answer?

[Lori Macadam]

I was personally in St. Alban's right before the Newfoundland provincial election at the end of September.