Evidence of meeting #28 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 science.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
I am answering in the capacity of Minister of Fisheries.
Conservative
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
No, you're not answering the question, Minister.
Conservative
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
You're not answering the question.
You can say you're going to close areas of fishing and you believe it's in the best interest of Canada, but you can't sit here and not tell people or fishermen the truth. Why don't you just acknowledge, on the record, that you're planning to close these areas to fishing?
Liberal
Conservative
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
You're evading the question and trying to prevent yourself from going on record acknowledging what everyone knows to be the case, which is that large closures are coming to British Columbia's coast over the next few years if you want to meet the UN's 30 by 30 framework.
Liberal
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
Within a marine protected area, we can honour fisheries and we can protect and conserve for the next generation. It is balance, and I believe in balanced approaches.
Conservative
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
Are no fisheries going to be losing access? Will there not be a 30% loss of access to prawns on the central coast as per DFO's draft scenario two?
Liberal
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
We need to stay at the table. We always need to remain in communication, and we can have balanced approaches.
Conservative
Aaron Gunn Conservative North Island—Powell River, BC
You're not answering the question. Fishermen in this country deserve the truth. Just level with them about what the government is planning to do. If you don't know, say that.
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Patrick Weiler
Thank you very much, Mr. Gunn.
Next, we'll go to Mr. Connors for five minutes.
Liberal
Paul Connors Liberal Avalon, NL
Thank you, Minister.
Thank you, officials, for coming out today.
My first question is around the use of artificial intelligence and digital.
As part of the 15% reduction, DFO is saying that it's going to “leverage artificial intelligence and other digital tools to modernize Canada's fisheries management system.”
Can you elaborate on what type of artificial intelligence and what digital tools will be used, and how they will be used?
Liberal
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
Thank you. It's a good question.
For example, the e-logs we're seeing on the water, which really help us understand science and catch management, are a form of digitalization. It's incredibly important when we understand that the markets are changing and we need to diversify. Having data from harvesters links back to the need to ensure that we understand what harvesters see, because they have knowledge that's incredibly important. E-logs help us see this in real time. They help inform science and help us with certifications that strengthen our ability to diversify market access.
Liberal
Paul Connors Liberal Avalon, NL
My second question would be, have you heard any concerns from fishers about the introduction of artificial intelligence digital equipment? Last year, when it was introduced in Newfoundland, some lobster fishermen were concerned about having to use e-logs.
Liberal
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
Change is always challenging. I visited a number of wharves and had direct conversations. Officials were there as well.
We learn each year how we can strengthen processes going forward. Also, I know there were some challenges with the technologies being ready. Again, it's part of how we learn from one year to the next. Technologies evolve quickly. We will, I'm sure, be ready for this season. It wasn't in Newfoundland and Labrador, but parts of Atlantic Canada. It's important to have access to the data that informs science, that allows us to have the information we need to strengthen market diversification, the price harvesters and industry receive for our products. We know we have a world-class product. I heard that over and over in Boston. Certifications ensure that harvesters and industry receive the highest price for a product that is world-class. It's fisheries management and it's input in science. It's a positive, but we'll continue to work with harvesters so they can use the technologies in a way that has a positive outcome for all involved.
Liberal
Paul Connors Liberal Avalon, NL
Minister, I also want to give you an opportunity to give an update on where we are for the recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. We did the survey, and many recreational fishers are anxiously awaiting what the outcome will be.
Liberal
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
Thank you. I'm really pleased with the response to the survey. Ten thousand people participated, which is really significant. Ninety-five per cent of them were from Newfoundland and Labrador, and 96% had participated in the fishery more than two times. There's really good information. We're still working through the data. It will be out before the season opens. I just want to reassure all concerned that the information we received will help inform the decisions going forward.
Liberal
Paul Connors Liberal Avalon, NL
I heard from recreational fishers in my area, and they would like to know as early as possible. I urge you to get it out as quickly as possible.
Minister, you mentioned your visit to the Boston food show. I know you're working with other departments to open up markets around the world. Can you elaborate a little on how the work is going and what new markets will be opening up?
Liberal
Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL
I can tell you this very clearly: It was obvious to me that the world wants Canada's seafood. We have a sustainable industry. The fishery is ethically sourced, and there is a high demand for our product. It's on all of us to work together to ensure that we have the certifications that many of these new markets want. Those certifications result in the highest price for the industry and for harvesters. I am optimistic about the opportunities for markets around the world. We will still work to ensure the markets that we have remain open, but at the same time, it's prudent for us to continue to expand.
Liberal
Conservative
Conservative
Mel Arnold Conservative Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies, BC
It's concerning that the minister has repeatedly said she can't answer questions when this is what she's here for. Parliamentary functions have fundamental conventions that include ministerial accountability.
Mr. Chair, I would ask you to remind the minister of her duty to uphold the principle of ministerial accountability—
Liberal
